During recent protests at Columbia University, student journalists found themselves at odds with the administration and NYPD over the issue of “outside agitators.” Despite claims that the protests were filled with non-affiliated individuals, investigative reporting revealed that many of these so-called agitators were actually alumni or affiliated with organizations like Students for Justice in Palestine, which has a chapter at Columbia. While the university and law enforcement continued to perpetuate this narrative, student reporters from publications like The Campus at City College of New York pushed back, highlighting the lack of clarity in defining “outside” protesters at CUNY schools.
In response to the lack of transparency and misinformation surrounding the protests, student journalists dedicated themselves to thorough fact-checking and reporting. Publications like the Spectator at Columbia went through multiple rounds of editing to ensure accuracy in their coverage, while others, like the Badger Herald at the University of Wisconsin, focused on providing live updates rather than fact-checking every claim. Each school’s unique circumstances were highlighted by student reporters, such as those at the Daily Pennsylvanian at the University of Pennsylvania, where protests remained peaceful and police did not arrest students.
Despite facing challenges and mistrust in the media, student journalists demonstrated their commitment to truth-telling and building trust within their communities. By pushing back against sensationalized narratives and disinformation, these young reporters showcased the importance of independent journalism in holding those in power accountable.
