Welcome to The Forum, the student newspaper of the University of Wisconsin-Marathon County. The spring semester is in full swing and so too are the operations of the student newspaper. The most important of these traditions is our commitment to a free press and disdain for censorship. If you’ve been reading The Forum over the past ten years, you know that we like bringing controversial issues and
opinions to the forefront. We consider it an obligation to present all points of view, no matter how different they may seem. This principle is more broadly endorsed by the university itself in the form of academic freedom. The subtitle of this newspaper is “A Medium of Open Discussion” because we consider it essential for students, faculty, and community members to engage in conversations about the issues of our time, free from the filters that typify American media. The Forum cannot function without writers. In this issue you will find contributions by students, faculty, community members, and many others. Our writers contribute not because they are taking a journalism class, but because they have something of value to say. It is my hope that you too will contribute to this newspaper. Write a news article. Take a picture. Make suggestions. There are numerous ways to become involved in this worthwhile project. Making a contribution to The Forum, however small or large, is an act of goodwill toward the community. The Forum is the work of many individuals. A core group of students who are enrolled in a journalism class perform many essential tasks such as writing, editing, photography, layout, and office work. We also are privileged to work with UWMC students and faculty who make outside contributions. Finally, an oversight body known as the Forum Advisory Board regularly provides us with constructive feedback. I am grateful for the hard work of these individuals who make The Forum possible.
