Annette Ticknor '07

Summer 2007

Fighting for a free press

Brian Schraum ditched school for several days in January. The 19-year-old Washington State University junior wasn’t playing hooky, though. He was testifying in Olympia on behalf of a free-press bill he inspired.

Schraum, a communication major, is trying to protect high school and college newspapers from censorship. House Bill 1307, which Schraum helped Rep. Dave Upthegrove (D-Des Moines) craft, would put the full weight of editorial decisions in the hands of the student editors. Even in high schools.

Last year, as editor of the Green River Community College newspaper, Schraum realized that while he had the freedom to print what he chose, that freedom wasn’t … » More …

Fall 2007

Police in the dorms: Security or invasion of privacy?

One Friday night last winter, a Washington State University police officer walked past the open door of a student’s room in Stephenson East and looked in. She smiled and said “Hey,” and received a cool “Hi” in reply. As soon as she walked past, the student shut the door and clicked the lock.

Officer Dawn Daniels has come to expect a range of reactions as she patrols the hallways of residence halls. Sometimes she gets a friendly “Hello.” Other times, the doors slam.

In spring 2006, the right of Daniels and her fellow WSU officers to patrol the halls came into question, when an officer … » More …