The Pioneer Times

Issue date: 3/10/08 Section: Top Stories

Media Credit: Montclair.edu Susan A. Cole

Thomas Jefferson once said, "Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter."


This quote by Jefferson is interpreted by many, as showing the importance of a free independent press. Montclair State University's newspaper, The Montclarion, is not independent of its student government, but soon will be.


The Montclair State University President Susan A. Cole announced Feb. 27 that The Montclarion will soon separate from the Student Government Association. This decision comes after a long fought battle between the two groups.


"The Montclarion has come to the conclusion that its relationship to the SGA poses an unacceptable obstacle to a free press," said Cole, "I agree with the underlying principle that government and a free press must remain separate."

The student paper currently gets funding from different lines granted through the SGA.

According to President Cole's statement, "…the University will work with The Montclarion and the SGA over the next several months to achieve a formal separation of the two organizations effective no later than July 1..."

Last year The Montclarion hired attorney Sal M. Anderton to advise the newspaper about the SGA violating the Open Public Meetings Act.

On Jan. 22, Montclair's SGA president Ronald Chicken sent a letter which froze the paper's budget.

He cited among other reasons, "The withholding of documents related to the services provided by Mr. Anderton."

Even though the previous SGA president had approved a Montclarion legal fees budget line, Chicken said the SGA president had not approved the hiring of Anderton.

Chicken had fired Anderton in November and requested that the paper send all communication with Anderton to the SGA. Those requests were denied, as the staff of the newspaper and Anderton said attorney client privilege would be violated.

By Jan. 31, the SGA narrowly voted to unfreeze the publishing and office supply line until both side could meet in mediation on Feb. 26.

"I am disappointed that the students were unable to reach settlement on their issues," said Cole. "As a consequence, it is my judgment that it is time for the University to take action in regard to this matter."

"It is time for these two very important and highly developed and mature student organizations to continue their work as independent entities."

Could a situation happen between William Paterson University SGA and its newspapers similar to Montclair State? According to SGA financial manager Donald Bennett, the William Paterson University SGA, has no financial control over The Beacon or The Pioneer Times.

The Beacon is funded by advertising and SGA, and The Pioneer Times is funded through the Communication department. Both newspapers run independently of each other.

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