Question of the Day: Should high school publications cover controversy?

A week-long series featuring faculty and student opinion

Isaac Ochoa, Assistant Managing Editor • 7 Views

March 8, 2016

"We should discuss controversial topics because high school is about preparing for the world," theatre junior Jessica Posey said. "Gender identity, for example, can be difficult to talk about, and talking about it educates us. Also, mental disorders are topics which I'm not familiar with, and exposure to them informs me and teaches me how to deal with mental health as we change through adolescence." — Photo by Isaac Ochoa
“We should discuss controversial topics because high school is about preparing for the world,” theatre junior Jessica Posey said. “Gender identity, for example, can be difficult to talk about, and talking about it educates us. Also, mental disorders are topics which I’m not familiar with, and exposure to them informs me and teaches me how to deal with mental health as we change through adolescence.”

"I think we should always cover and not censor controversy. Open conversation is vital to progress, and we should as a whole always strive for improvement within our community," vocal senior Lauren Bates said. "Congratulations to The Muse for covering diverse subjects!" — Photo by Isaac Ochoa
“I think we should always cover and not censor controversy. Open conversation is vital to progress, and we should as a whole always strive for improvement within our community,” vocal senior Lauren Bates said. “Congratulations to The Muse for covering diverse subjects!”

"We should review gender identity, sexism, and other controversial topics because kids must learn about everything around them," visual sophomore Roanne Kopacz-Ried said. "Kids should not be sheltered. When you shelter a kid, you damage their future as information equals preparation and success." — Photo by Isaac Ochoa
“We should review gender identity, sexism, and other controversial topics because kids must learn about everything around them,” visual sophomore Roanne Kopacz-Ried said. “Kids should not be sheltered. When you shelter a kid, you damage their future as information equals preparation and success.”

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About the Contributor

Isaac Ochoa, Editor-in-Chief

Communications senior Isaac Ochoa is a third-year journalist on The Muse. He hails from south of the border where life is much more mellow yet dangerous. He is president of the Latin-Hispanic Heritage Club and has a passion for the environment that has led him to become a vegetarian. Now reflecting on his four years of high school, he wonders why he joined The Muse. After spending countless hours behind a desk writing, editing, designing and solving last minute setbacks, Ochoa has come to the conclusion that only masochistic students join school newspapers. Fortunately, he doesn't mind the extra work. Ochoa hopes to continue to raise the standards of The Muse through experimental work. Sometimes he fails miserably, but it's okay.