Letter to the Editor | Letters – The Link

Letter to the Editor

File graphic Carl Bindman

    Dear Editor-in-Chief of The Link,

    As we dig into the Student Power issue, I want to know how you plan to attract a diverse
    group of contributors and empower them in their contributions. I did not feel particularly
    empowered when I was ghosted by The Link during the editing process of my article about
    dental care in Quebec. Last November, after two rounds of edits, my article never made it to
    the third and I have yet to get an answer as to when edits would be completed and it could
    be published.


    I have always loved The Link and what it stands for. When my mother studied at Concordia,
    I thought it was the coolest newspaper. I had a great experience working with the video team
    in the fall of last year, they were supportive and helpful with my first contribution project. I will
    never forget it. However, my experience in November and those of others, point to a
    surprising conclusion: The Link is an exclusive members-only club.


    Cliques, favoritism, intimidation, etc. The reality behind the scenes at The Link is far from
    that of its mandate: inclusivity, diversity, and equality. If no efforts are made to find, forge,
    and maintain powerful connections with students from other disciplines, The Link is just a
    bunch of “all-knowing” journalists who seek to represent the interests of an entire student
    body. No different than mainstream media. If The Link wants to empower students, it has to
    leave its journalism bubble and encourage other students to make meaningful contributions.
    You may be inclined to claim that you are “just students”, but many of you also get a small
    sum for the work you do. You are not just students, you are employees too. I know The
    Link’s mandate is being revised, which is hugely important, and that a meeting was held on
    July 9th. I should probably have voiced my concerns there. However, I do not have the time
    to show up for a publication that cannot give its contributors the time of day.


    It is a new year with new staff, presenting a chance to turn over a new leaf. In this upcoming
    year, how do you plan to foster inclusivity and equality in the management practices of The
    Link? What will you do to actively seek diversity among contributors and maintain good
    relationships with them?


    Sincerely,
    Hope Emily Cornell

    This article originally appeared in Volume 45, Issue 1, published September 3, 2024.