Editorials

EDITORIAL | The role of your student-run newspaper

By Editorial Board | Fall 2022 | September 5

The Plainsman aims to serve as a source of objective, factual—and sometimes entertaining—media for students. It acts independently and objectively in order to produce unbiased work.

EDITORIAL | Alabama, leave transgender youth alone. Again.

By Editorial Board | Spring 2022 | April 13

On Friday, Gov. Kay Ivey signed SB 184, which would imprison doctors for up to 10 years for providing puberty blockers and hormones to transgender youth, and HB 322, which forces transgender children to use the bathroom of their sex assigned at birth. The latter bill also bans discussion of “sexual orientation or gender identity” in kindergarten through fifth grade.

EDITORIAL | Who are you protecting, Auburn?

By Editorial Board | Spring 2022 | March 6

Auburn's policies against sexual misconduct are designed to keep students, faculty and staff safe and punish those who violate that safety. In the case of Richard Hansen, Auburn seems to have forgotten that they would make student safety its “number one priority.”

EDITORIAL | Give yourself a break

By Editorial Board | Spring 2022 | February 27

If you’re used to spending most of your time “always on”, then a week of doing nothing may seem daunting, especially with how much college students are expected to do on a daily basis. So even before spring break starts, give yourself a break.

EDITORIAL | The difference between a letter to the editor, a column and an editorial

By Editorial Board | Spring 2022 | February 13

As we near milestones on some of our social media, we recognize some new readers may be unfamiliar with the terminology used for our opinion section content.

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect and practice gratitude.

EDITORIAL | Take the break to reflect

By Editorial Board | Fall 2021 | November 25

This isn't the time to wallow in regret about what could have been different, but the time to appreciate what happened.

EDITORIAL | University's new minimum hiring rate is a step in the right direction

By Editorial Board | Fall 2021 | October 31

For some, the University seems to hit the mark rarely. This decision, though, will undoubtedly benefit many of the families working for Auburn by improving their standard of living.

EDITORIAL | It’s time to do better, Auburn

By Editorial Board | Fall 2021 | October 17

Auburn is performative in every sense of the word — they act only to elicit a response or reaction.That is the problem. We want to see active steps for tangible change. If not by our graduation date at least by someone's.

EDITORIAL | Body camera footage belongs to the public

By Editorial Board | Fall 2021 | October 10

Recently, in an 8-1 decision, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that videos, recordings of 911 calls, photos, autopsy records, emails and texts are related to investigative materials and don’t have to be released to the public. This ruling infringes on the legal rights of Alabamians.

EDITORIAL | Why students should attend the listening sessions for the next president

By Editorial Board | Fall 2021 | September 21

Thursday, Sept. 23 the Auburn University Board of Trustees is hosting a listening session for students to express what they want in the next president. The editorial board encourages students to attend to ensure the next president represents our long-term interests.

EDITORIAL | Texas abortion ban sets dangerous precedent

By Editorial Board | Fall 2021 | September 12

On Sept. 1, Texas enacted the most restrictive abortion law in the nation, and all around the country women are asking the same question: What does the Texas abortion ban mean for me? This editorial is meant not only to serve as an explanation of the Texas and Alabama abortion bans, but also as a plea — Alabama, do not follow in Texas’ footsteps.

EDITORIAL | A spirit that is not afraid of change

By Editorial Board | Spring 2021 | February 25

In following with The Plainsman's long history of change, we have decided to make it a primarily online publication. For years we have resisted this change, but now we have an opportunity to ensure that this organization continues to flourish in the decades to come. Godspeed and prosper, The Auburn Plainsman.

EDITORIAL: Ivey’s prison plan potentially harmful for Alabamians

By Editorial Board | Spring 2021 | February 11

Gov. Ivey's private prison plan may not only be harmful for Alabamians pockets and communities, but also the integrity of the state.

EDITORIAL | Why we aren't in print this week

By Editorial Board | Spring 2021 | January 21

Because of the financial constraints and decreased on-campus student population caused by the ongoing pandemic, The Plainsman staff has decided to conserve our resources this week. But don't worry, we'll be back soon.

Thank you, President Gogue

By Editorial Board | Fall 2020 | November 30

When President Gogue decided to serve as Auburn's interim president, there's no way he could have anticipated how crazy the 2020 school year would be. Nevertheless, he has continued to lead this institution through the challenges this year has brought. For that, we want to say thank you.

EDITORIAL | Auburn's fraught history with the LGBTQ community demands progress

By Editorial Board | Fall 2020 | October 26

EDITORIAL | In light of the 30th anniversary of the first official recognition of a LGBTQ presence on campus and this month being LGBTQ History Month, it’s incumbent upon Auburn to reaffirm our mission to create a more equitable University.

EDITORIAL | Don't make Jordan-Hare the Petrie Dish

By Editorial Board | Fall 2020 | September 25

EDITORIAL | If you’re going to the game this weekend, make sure to bring a mask, socially distance and sanitize frequently. But maybe most importantly, check your privilege at the gate. Because if not, you may not have another chance this season to do so.