Former editor urges students to focus on the meaning of the student paper

They say a good liberal arts education teaches you how to think critically, which is why the current discussion, or lack thereof, around The Blue & Gray Press’ name change is disheartening. Instead of having an informed conversation about the merits of the name change, students seem content to believe a sensationalist article from the same news source that has claimed, among other things, that a feminized setting led to the mass shooting at Sandy Hook and that liberals brainwash women into believing they have been raped.

Whatever name The Blue & Gray Press is under, it is still the same newspaper that has served the University of Mary Washington community since 1922; it is still run by the same editorial staff whose qualifications and intelligence I can personally account for. Few are more critical of them than me, as I hold them and the paper to the incredibly high standard I know that they are more than capable of achieving. Accordingly, they tailor the paper to speak to the open-mindedness of UMW’s students, faculty and alumni. If you disagree with the editorial board’s decision on the name, great, let them know as they are always open to hearing from the community they serve. Just come bearing constructive criticism and not sensationalist rhetoric.