Student Government at UC Rejects NYT Subscription Proposal
The student government at the University of California has turned down a proposal to provide free subscriptions to the New York Times for student groups. The decision stems from concerns about how the publication covers significant global issues.
Aliya Hassan, a board member and opponent of the proposal, expressed that the New York Times has faced criticism for its journalism. She specifically mentioned its handling of topics related to Israel and Gaza, suggesting that the paper often avoids using terms like genocide and ethnic cleansing, which undermines its journalistic integrity.
Criticism surrounding the paper’s coverage of the Israel-Gaza conflict has been extensive, with many accusing it of bias.
The proposal, brought up during a meeting on February 18, was initially reported by the student-run newspaper The Collegian. It suggested that a free subscription could be secured for a cost of $15,705 to the student government. After about half an hour of debates, the motion was defeated by a majority vote.
Sara Sebby, another Fresno State student, had written and submitted the proposal following discussions with supporters. She mentioned hearing comments from students who found the Times useful for their studies, despite its cost.
As far as Hassan was concerned, there didn’t seem to be a strong demand for such free subscriptions, and she was also wary of the perception surrounding them. She noted that funding these subscriptions with student fees could imply an endorsement of the New York Times’ editorial stance, which raised her concerns.
This opposition came even after Times representatives had indicated that they were providing free access to several universities across the nation, including prestigious institutions like Harvard and UC Berkeley.
Todd Halverson from the Times refrained from commenting on the editorial process but highlighted that the organization boasts 145 Pulitzer Prizes, more than any other news outlet.
According to Halverson, around a quarter of students currently benefiting from free subscriptions actively engage with the content.
Meanwhile, Fresno State students and staff now have free digital access to the Wall Street Journal through a partnership with the university library.
Sebby countered the arguments against the subscription by pointing out that the cost translates to just 67 cents per student, which is notably cheaper than individual rates for a standalone subscription. She stressed that having access to trusted journalism is crucial in today’s landscape.
“I don’t think it’s irresponsible, especially when funds are being allocated to other activities. For instance, tailgating is still common because it adds to the campus experience,” she remarked.
