We recently published two articles about student government's collaboration with Penn's minority communities to improve undergraduate minority representation in major campus institutions.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an active supporter of and a participant in these efforts. Like student government, the DP could certainly benefit from more diversity.
We feel that Penn's independent student newspaper should reflect the character and makeup of Penn's student body as best as possible. And that's always been our goal, whether it be measured in terms of socioeconomic, political, gender, racial or cultural diversity.
One of our missions is to be a forum for the free expression of ideas and issues, regardless of viewpoint. I think that promoting diversity within our staff is a real and tangible way to make sure we accommodate every voice and perspective.
Regrettably, the DP hasn't always had the best relationship with Penn's minority communities.
In one memorable incident in 1993, members of the Black Student League "confiscated" 14,000 copies of the paper in response to what it described as "the blatant and voluntary perpetuation of institutional racism by the DP" and the University. The event quickly escalated into a campus-wide drama and chilled our relationship with the BSL and other groups for years.
Fortunately, we worked through these differences. And I'd certainly say that the DP has a far better rapport with Penn's minority communities today.
Still, there's more we can do. We're studying the matter closely, and we're thankful to the United Minorities Council and other groups for the help they've offered us with this issue.
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