Published January 24, 2011
by iris_author
In the spirit of change, I thought I would take this opportunity to write a positive blog by expressing my appreciation for the YU Free Press, our Yorku alternative newspaper. It is run purely by volunteers at the undergraduate and graduate level whose mission is to, “challenge the mainstream corporate media model and to provide a space for critical analysis and commentary of the news around us – both on and off campus – to a community of students, faculty, and staff alike.” They maintain a strong standard of anti-oppressive practices, striving for a vision of social justice by publishing labour, union and activist-positive material.
One of the strengths of the newspaper is that one does not have to be a member of the collective to publish. It is run completely by volunteers and functions solely through the support of the Yorku community. One can express their opinions without as many restrictions since they are not affiliated with the Yorku administration. In essence, if you are pissed off at the university, the Free Press is the place to publish it.
There are also no restrictions on writing about something you are involved in. The Excalibur considers this a conflict of interest, banning it from publication. The YU Free Press is a space where you can express what you are passionate about even if you are involved in the organizations that are a part of the story you are covering. This is intuitive because if you are interested in a story, you usually have a connection to it.
The paper is currently looking for new volunteers and contributors for their next issue. The next issue will follow the theme, Indigenous Sovereignty but it is not limited to Aboriginal issues. You can find the YU Free Press across campus in newsstands or download the material online.
The YU Free Press is a critical and self-reflexive view on what is happening on our campus. For an informed and alternative voice to the events that affect the York community be sure to pick up the next issue this January!
Posted in: Blogs | Students Speak
