THE END TIMES
VOLUME III || ISSUE 4 || MARCH 29, 2006
Accountability a Must At JBU
Part One of a One Part Series
Imagine the following scene unfolding before you. A dimly lit office that hosts a large, wooden desk and two occupants; in front of this desk, a lone student sits trembling. Behind it, a shadowy figure reclines, speaking through the dense air.
�I�m sorry, son,� the cold, steely voice murmurs, �but I�m afraid I simply cannot let your kind remain in our community any longer; you�re simply too much of a burden.�
�But sir,� the student timidly replies, �I didn�t mean��
�No �buts.� I�m sorry. This is how it is. You have 48 hours to collect your things, and may God have mercy on your soul.� And with that, the student is ushered out of the office.
What �kind� of person is �simply too much of a burden�? What is this cruel scene I have just described? The previous was none other than the dismissal process for sub-par writers at the Threefold Advocate.
That�s right. The editors of John Brown University�s very own newspaper have, once again, unilaterally dismissed a reporter from its staff. How can they make such decisions without seeking input from other sources? That is the question we wish to take a closer look at in this first installment of a one-part series entitled �Taking a Closer Look at the Unilateral Disciplinary Process Employed by the Threefold Advocate.�
First, let�s get the basics out of the way. It is common knowledge that the sequence previously described is exactly how the Threefold goes about dismissing its writers�how else would it work? The writer in question is simply called before the Editor, who then dismisses that writer, no questions asked. The End Times editorial staff wanted to discuss the process further with the Threefold�simply to verify a few facts�but we, unfortunately, did not have time to schedule an appointment. Trust us, however, that no matter what may be said to the contrary, we know exactly how the disciplinary process works.
Secondly, it is our duty as students to ensure that the Threefold Advocate conducts itself in a worthy manner�a manner in which the student body agrees. The Threefold Advocate is currently acting without Christian accountability. If an editor wishes to dismiss a writer, he or she should first seek opinions from the other writers and editors, followed by advice from a couple of Music and Biology professors�people outside the Advocate�s normal sphere of influence. Finally, the decision should be democratically decided by having every undergraduate at JBU cast a vote for or against the writer�s dismissal, along with a full publication of the editor�s grievances with the writer. This would best minimize damage done to the writer, the editor, the Advocate, and JBU as a whole. Furthermore, it might be a good idea to appoint a new Cabinet position whose sole responsibility is to oversee the Advocate�s Editorial Staff, to ensure that they are behaving in a Christian manner. He or she can even publish a bi-quarterly release detailing all disciplinary actions taken.
Because such matters as a writer�s dismissal cannot and should not be carried out privately, or quietly, or with any discretion whatsoever towards confidentiality, the Threefold Advocate must come clean! It must open a window of accountability through which the students of JBU can monitor its actions�as it is our right as students to do so. The Threefold Advocate lacks accountability. We feel this is bad, and so should you. Let�s change that! Then, and only then, will we be able to truly call ourselves a community.
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