To the Editor,
I am responding to the May 13 letter written by The Swarthmorean publishers describing the events that led to the resignation of the editor and associate editor. As a long-time subscriber, I was a fan of the recent “editorial balance” the publishers described in their letter, and in the direction the paper was moving. Under the leadership of Editor Rachel Pastan and Associate Editor Satya Nelms, the paper gave me new insights and perspectives, including some which were uncomfortable and upsetting. These histories need to be told, and these voices need to be heard — even if it is disturbing — so that we can work to make things better. I am grateful for those, including Ms. Pastan and Ms. Nelms, who had the courage and strength to tell these truths.
I told both Ms. Nelms and Ms. Pastan how happy I was with the directions they have been taking the paper. I didn’t reach out to the publishers. It didn’t cross my mind to do so, and obviously I realize now that was a mistake. I feel like the squeaky wheels in Swarthmore, those who were unhappy with the “editorial balance,” made a fuss, leading the publishers to believe those voices were representative, while many of the rest of us were just quietly happy with the changes in the paper. I would like the publishers to know I am very unhappy now. I hope that Satya and Rachel can return and continue the excellent and insightful writing that has greatly improved The Swarthmorean.
Elizabeth Vallen
Swarthmore