Dear Readers,
As you are probably aware, the university has installed black, university-owned modular units for the distribution of various publications, including The Independent Florida Alligator, at some locations on campus.
These units were recently put in place as part of the university's goal to increase campus safety, promote sustainability and bolster campus aesthetics. We acknowledge that these types of units have become common across the country, including at other universities.
As a result, some of our iconic orange and blue racks have been removed from campus in an effort to comply with the university's plans.
While the Alligator appreciates and supports the aforementioned goals, we object to the removal of our racks from campus.
We feel such a move harms our ability to reach the widest campus audience possible, which is our primary goal: Every person on campus should have easy access to a copy of the Alligator. We are a free student-produced publication that survives on slim revenue from advertisers. This new form of distribution, we feel, could hurt our ability to effectively reach an audience that would continue to satisfy our advertisers.
Currently, we are in discussion to reach a solution that suits both us and UF. We have full faith that we can reach a solution that is favorable for both parties. We view the university as a partner, not an opponent, in this matter.
We ask for your support. It is because of you, the readers, that we exist. Our daily labor is to provide you with the best and most thorough news possible.
We want to respect the process. As we continue to work and cooperate with the university, we will keep you informed.
Thank you for your continued support. As always, we assure you that we will never lose sight of our mission: to serve the campus community, which has helped us become the largest independent, student-run newspaper in the United States.
Sincerely,
C.J. Pruner, Editor-in-Chief
Joey Flechas, Managing Editor/Print
Josh Isom, Managing Editor/Online
