Episode Details

UMass Dartmouth’s only journalism instructor, Natalie Pattillo, had her contract rescinded amid student outcry over potential censorship — especially since she also advised the student newspaper, The Torch, which recently published critical stories on campus issues. The university blames budget cuts, saying part-time hires are cheaper, but students argue the timing is suspicious, especially after The Torch’s investigative reporting faced administrative silence. Pattillo was stunned by the sudden reversal and fears the move signals a broader effort to undermine student press freedom. While officials insist student journalists’ rights remain intact, the future of The Torch hangs in the balance as funding for next year remains uncertain — leaving students anxious about self-censorship, but also determined to keep reporting truthfully.

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