TO THE EDITOR:
Gov. Pat McCrory released his budget in March, promising huge cuts to higher education. Tom Ross himself has cited the proposed cuts to the UNC system to be at least $138 million, and other news outlets have been reporting $135 million. The DTH has cited only $55 million in cuts.
Gov. McCrory’s budget indicates that more than 8,000 students would lose their need-based financial aid completely.
Their budget promises tuition increases to out-of-state and undocumented students of as much as 12.3 percent. Reporting a number as low as $55 million reflects neither the reality nor the gravity of our current situation.
The DTH plays a very significant role in the life of our University. It always has. For example, in 1963, the Speaker Ban Law was passed, which did not immediately strike the majority of the student body as an injustice.
However, the constant coverage by the DTH informed and helped to mobilize students around the issue.
The editorial board did not hesitate to take a position. The DTH was an important part of creating student unity in opposition to the Speaker Ban.
Students read the DTH to inform themselves on the state of our community. What the DTH covers is ultimately what the student body knows and cares about.
If certain events, facts or opinions are underrepresented or even missing, then the student body will walk in ignorance. We need stronger investigative reporting. If the hard questions go unasked by the DTH, then we will continue to go without answers.
