Dear Utah Tech students, faculty and staff,
I’m Lexy Borgogno, the editor-in-chief of Sun News Daily. This is my sixth semester on staff and my second year as EIC — and I’ve got a bone to pick.
Every single semester, I have staff members come and tell me that fellow students and student leaders (even some of their advisers) have been rude to them for doing their job as Sun News reporters.
I understand that a few people don’t represent the whole of an organization. But when I see a REPEATED pattern of disrespect and being the butt of rude jokes, I can’t stand aside and be silent any longer.
I feel the stares, glares and silent judgements — and don’t tell me it’s all in my head, because I’ve been doing this for too long to be fooled. I feel the shift in mood and conversation when I walk into a room where I’m not welcomed or wanted.
Even among my own friends, Sun News has been the punchline of many jokes. I’ve been told that I can’t know something because I’m part of Sun News, and I’ve heard our work dismissed as “fake news.”
At the end of the day, I can handle the hateful comments. But when my reporters tell me they feel hurt, that’s when I get upset.
Yes, we are journalists, but we are STUDENTS JUST LIKE ANYONE ELSE. We’re here because we love reporting, yet we get judged for doing what we’re passionate about. Every other student involved in clubs/organizations on campus pursues their passions without ridicule. I’m asking for the same kindness and patience for my staff as they are doing what THEY have a passion for.
I’m going to be clear: it’s not Sun News Daily’s job to make this university or anyone here look good. Our job is to report on the facts. If those facts cast someone or something in a negative light, that’s not us being malicious — that’s us doing our job. We have the constitutional right to cover topics on campus.
We are not the enemy, and we don’t want to be treated that way. We are not hunting for exposés at every corner or at every event. Our mission as reporters is to inform, connect and represent the voices of this campus. That’s something we take seriously because we believe every student deserves to be heard.
That being said, OPINION PIECES ARE OPINION, including editorials. When I get emails that someone is upset over an opinion piece, all I can think is, “I can’t give you a sticker to make you feel better.” Just like you are entitled to your own thoughts, so is my staff.
Our goal isn’t to please everyone — nor should it be. What matters is that diverse viewpoints are shared because that’s how meaningful conversations and real change happen on campus.
My point in writing this is to express my frustration and to ask for kindness from fellow students and leaders because my staff is not your enemy.
If you see a reporter at an event, know they’ll be respectful of any rules/regulations, so speak to them like they are a human being — there’s no reason to be rude. Practice what you preach about making this campus a safe, tolerant and welcoming community. In fact, it’s not going to kill you to say “hi” to reporters at your events.
My staff deserve the same respect as any other student on this campus. They deserve kindness because they are human beings with feelings. Be patient, because not everyone is a seasoned staff member like I am, and my newbies have zero intention of upsetting anyone.
With new staff joining every semester, any grudges you’ve had with former Sun News members no longer apply. Every semester brings fresh perspectives, and our current team shouldn’t be judged by past experiences.
As journalists and the voice of Utah Tech, we work VERY hard to deliver accurate and interesting content, so please keep your hateful/judgmental comments to yourself. I’m not asking for special treatment, only the same kindness and respect that every student on this campus deserves.
Sincerely,
Lexy Borgogno
Editor-in-chief, Sun News Daily
