The editorial board for The Gazette at Western University has issued an apology after articles posted in their Frosh issue caused an uproar.
In a letter released on Wednesday, the board says The Gazette “displayed a lack of judgement” when it published three articles promoting drinking, drugs and sex with teaching assistants.
“Considering the reaction, The Gazette will not distribute the Frosh Issue during orientation week,” the letter states. “We regret this mistake, and we look forward to reporting on these issues in a more serious manner in the future.”
Along with removing the Frosh paper, The Gazette will also issue a retraction online.
As well, the University Students' Council president at Western, Matt Helfand, is calling for an investigation.
"The editorial board that I know is a talented team of proud Mustangs, but they made a large mistake — one that they will no doubt learn from. As such, I urge the current editorial board to take responsibility for the situation, and launch an investigation through the Gazette Advisory Board," he wrote in a letter on Wednesday.
"We hope that an investigation will serve to reinforce the lessons learned and ensure that, in the future, these topics are dealt with sensitively and with the utmost seriousness."
Western’s Vice President Academic Janice Deakin responded to the controversial articles on Tuesday, saying she was disappointed and found it objectionable that the paper would publish a column promoting students attempting to have inappropriate relationships.
The Gazette will now review their editorial practices with the advisory board.
On campus, many readers thought the paper crossed the line.
“Especially with problems on campuses with potential violence,” says alumna Mandy MacDonald.
But others thought no harm was done. "I think it was more of a joke. It was light-hearted," says frosh Jason Guest.
