The Crimson White’s opinion section exists to fill a specific purpose: being an open forum for the community. Whether it’s about the parking situation on campus, social media trends, or one of the many political issues going on in the world, it’s a space for people to voice their opinions. While many articles come from regular contributing writers, there’s also a way for you to share your voice: submitting a letter to the editor.
Letters to the editor allow for students to voice their opinion without having to officially join the staff. Some of our most interesting opinions have come from guest columnists.
Oftentimes, students take to online platforms like YikYak to voice their opinions.
Submitting to The CW is a way to scratch that same itch, but more productively. If you take the time to write out your opinion, you can have it shared in a professional, public forum. The entire community gets to see it, and it can empower others who feel the same way to voice their thoughts, too.
Take the Crimson Ride example. Students had been complaining about the situation on YikYak and emailing the Crimson Ride office since the first day of classes. Then, the first week of September, the CW news desk ran an article on the changes and how they were affecting students. The bus routes were changed back that same week, barely a day after the article ran. UA even made a social media post crediting the CW for helping to share student feedback. That article wasn’t an opinion piece or a letter to the editor, but it shows how articles as a whole have a real impact within the campus community.
Even if they don’t create immediate change, letters often provoke responses and spark conversation. Sometimes writers will respond to articles that were previously posted, and sometimes articles will get a lot of comments on their Instagram posts. When my first opinion piece went out in the newsletter, I got an email from a professor appreciating my article.
Submitting to The Crimson White helps keep the perspectives varied and balanced. A majority of opinion pieces that run are written by columnists, however guest columns serve to ensure that the desk remains balanced and shares the opinions of the campus population.
One of the best parts of being at a big university like UA is that you’re surrounded by thousands of people from a variety of backgrounds. When you choose to submit a letter, you don’t just show people views they may not have considered. You also show people that someone else shares their viewpoint, and that they aren’t alone.
Writing to The CW can also help you develop stronger argumentation abilities. Writing opinion pieces helps you improve at persuasive writing, which is a valuable skill to have. Having a polished article run serves as proof that you can engage thoughtfully with issues. It’s more productive than posting to the void on social media.
And let’s be honest: There is no better feeling than seeing your name on a published article. It’s something that you can’t really understand until you’ve done it. A byline is proof that your voice belongs in the larger discussions in our community. It’s something that you can share and be proud of.
If you’ve ever looked at the opinion section and thought “I have something to say about that,” then let this be your sign to write it. Don’t overthink it, just give it a try. Go to https://thecrimsonwhite.com/submit-an-opinion/ and you’ll find information on how to submit a letter and make your voice heard.
Instead of venting on YikYak, pen out a letter. You’ll be surprised at the impact your voice can have.
