By walking back their reporting, despite it following proper procedures, Northwestern student reporters showed they need reminded that student journalism is still journalism. https://www.disrn.com/2019/11/13/opinion-northwestern-reporters-and-protestors-need-to-remember-that-student-journalism-is-still-journalism/

The same goes for the student protesters. You do not get an exempt from the consequences of sharing your political beliefs just because you are in college. If you go to a protest, prepare to reap the consequences of that — whatever that may be. /2

Being a student means you get the grace to make mistakes without TOO much fallout, because there is an understanding that you are still growing and learning. But college isn't a shield you can hide behind, it isn't a consequence-free place, for reporters or protesters. /3

Student journalism AND student political involvement should be expected to come with backlash from communities and authorities. If it doesn't, that means the issues you're talking about aren't that important. /4

I say it in the piece, but neither journalism or politics are for those who are people-pleasers.

BUT Northwestern students clearly didn't mean any malice by it. They were protecting their sources and reporters in a way they thought was right. It just happened to be misguided /5

. @brianmmunoz had a good thread on this issue and he gets more into the nuances of student journalism, so check that out as well.

tl;dr read my piece for all my thoughts on student journalism and Northwestern