The Daily Pennsylvanian Editorial Board emphasizes the importance of this newspaper’s opinion to our community.
Credit: Jean ParkWe at The Daily Pennsylvanian recognize that opinion journalism is a necessary counterpart to news coverage. At a university that rarely shies away from the spotlight, what happens at home resonates far beyond campus. Now, our firsthand perspectives are more valuable than ever. The DP’s Opinion section provides a platform for students, faculty, and community members to drive meaningful discussion.
People often assume that news is the sole backbone of the DP. It’s urgent, and it’s informative — and dominates the most-read list. But, in classic fashion, we’d opine that opinion is just as essential. To us, it is a form of news itself — to find the stories buried under hierarchy and power disguised as our “culture.”
At Penn, where “Penn Face” demands perfection, opinion embraces the rawness and vulnerability that grounds us. As an independent organization, we have the unique power to question institutional inefficiencies without being silenced.
Words have power. Opinions create change. It is evident in the White House’s recent announcement limiting journalist and press access. It’s why it’s more important than ever that we keep our opinions and thoughts alive, reminding ourselves of what makes us most human.
Staff columns are written by our columnists. Each with a unique viewpoint and brand, our columnists come from different walks of life and bring various perspectives to our paper. Much like the diversity of the Penn community, we try to represent a diversity of opinions. Consistent writing can allow for personality to shine through each person’s words across their various pieces. Each column has a unique title crafted by the columnist that alludes to their writing style and opinions. We have columnists who focus on various topics from politics and campus life, to pop culture, and everything in between. Each of us shows a true dedication to showcasing our opinions and bringing our experiences to bear across our narratives.
Guest columns are written by members of the Penn community unaffiliated with the DP who have strong perspectives on timely issues. They give people a platform to share their perspectives, especially when they have firsthand experience or are challenging the dominant narrative. Often, those caught in the middle of an issue can’t see the bigger picture — guest columns help cut through the noise. By publishing guest columns, we keep important conversations alive and make space for a range of voices. These pieces don’t just add to the discussion; they push it in new directions, making campus dialogue more engaging and reflective of the community.
Editorials are articles reflecting the collective opinion of the DP’s Editorial Board. Unlike the neutrality of news reporting or staff and guest columns, which reflect individual viewpoints, editorials aim to establish a unified stance on critical issues. As an independent newspaper, we have the privilege to use editorials as our platform to highlight concerns and advocate for change. Editorials are essential in shaping campus dialogue and amplifying student voices. At Penn, where decisions affect thousands, maintaining editorials as a record ensures that important issues are acknowledged, discussed, and remembered. That being said, the production of editorials is handled by staffers who have no involvement in news coverage.
The Opinion department thrives on a diversity of perspectives, each shaping a vibrant and engaging dialogue. Our columnists look at the Penn environment through the lens of their individual backgrounds and work hard to create a platform that narrates the Penn experience through their eyes. As columnists, the Penn community is always on our minds when we write. We ask ourselves how we can introduce fresh viewpoints and explore the nuances of issues that define our campus. Beyond commentary, as columnists, we aim to create an archive, a lasting record that represents Penn and leaves our voices as part of a larger conversation.
Our editorial policies reflect the principles that have guided the DP since its inception: independence and the pursuit of truth. But meaningful discussions don’t happen in isolation. The most pressing issues demand our collective engagement and willingness to challenge assumptions. We at the Opinion department remain steadfast in our belief that good journalism embraces the difficult questions head-on — that’s what we stand for, and that’s what we will continue to uphold.
THE DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN EDITORIAL BOARD consists of senior Opinion staffers led by the DP’s Editorial Board Chair Sangitha Aiyer. Currently, that team includes Ananya Shah, Diya Choksey, Piper Slinka-Petka, Mariana Martinez, Mritika Senthil, and Mia Vesely. Questions and comments should be directed to letters@thedp.com.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
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