ThePILLARS Publication Official Statement on the Removal of Today’s Carolinian Office at the University of San Carlos

On January 15, the progressive official student publication of the University of San Carlos, Today’s Carolinian, received a notice on its office door stating that the space must be vacated the same day, as it would be repurposed for the Alumni Office—issued by the USC administration. The abrupt and uncalled-for removal of the student publication’s workspace constitutes a significant attack on press freedom and a violation of both student and community rights. This action not only hampers the publication’s ability to function effectively but also negatively impacts the entire student body by directly infringing upon their right to freedom of information.

Today’s Carolinian has been fulfilling its duties as a student publication since 1932, serving the University of San Carlos community. This includes upholding truth and justice, informing students about campus events and developments, and, most importantly, providing critical reports on pressing issues such as Tuition and Other Fee Increases (TOFI) discussions. Considering the defunding of the student publication by the USC administration in 2019, the removal of its office is a highly questionable exercise of authority, coinciding with ongoing critical matters.

As a student publication and a member of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines, ThePILLARS Publication condemns the eviction of Today’s Carolinian from its office at USC. This act by the administration violates the Campus Journalism Act of 1991 (Republic Act 7079), which establishes it as state policy to uphold and protect press freedom, even at the campus level. The law also emphasizes the importance of promoting and developing campus journalism “as a means of strengthening ethical values, encouraging critical and creative thinking, and developing the moral character and personal discipline of the Filipino youth.” Therefore, the administration should not perceive the student publication as a threat but rather as a source of valid criticism that can be used to better serve the student body.

Suppression of press freedom and student expression on campuses remains prevalent, and the case of Today’s Carolinian is no exception. Echoing the College Editors Guild of the Philippines - Cebu, “A free and independent student press is vital to the pursuit of truth and the safeguarding of accountability. Silencing Today’s Carolinian undermines not only the principles of campus journalism but also the fundamental values of freedom of expression and student empowerment.”

ThePILLARS Publication stands in solidarity with Today’s Carolinian in the collective call to defend press freedom. The persistent oppression of student publications at USC must be brought to an end. In light with this, we urge our fellow campus journalists, student leaders, and the broader Filipino youth to join us in resisting these attacks on press freedom.

#StandWithTodaysCarolinian

#DefendTC

#DefendPressFreedom