Why Washburned U?
Because we can.
The first amendment guarantees us the right to free speech. Today we are fortunate to have the Internet available as a resource to engage in this treasured American tradition.
Independence replaces dependence.
No longer are we dependent on traditional media resources to provide us with information. Historically, the press had a critical watchdog role in our society. Our founders knew that lack of accountability for public officials resulted in greed, corruption, and abuse of power. They also knew that to hold public institutions accountable to the public they serve, it was imperative that the press have the freedom to publish all news about these institutions in a neutral manner.
A Compromised Press.
Sometimes the press appears to lose sight of their mission as they become more profit oriented and compromise their own ability to report the news by playing a role in making the news. Then the public can no longer rely on the traditional news media to watch our public organizations and public monies. Consequently, the public welfare is threatened when those in the public sector use their authority to influence this compromised press to suit their own tastes and to avoid accountability for their actions.
The Problem.
In Topeka, Kansas, there has been very little public oversight of Washburn University. News reports on the Washburn University Board of Regents business affairs are virtually non-existent in The Topeka Capital-Journal. The result is that neither the Board nor the administration are fully accountable to the public for their actions. Even the student newspaper, The Washburn Review, has been compromised in its news reporting ability by inappropriate meddling by the Board. The end result is a poorly informed public that is unable to engage in the critical thinking that strengthens our community and its institutions.
The Solution.
The solution is Internet communication, where we can assume our individual duty as citizen watchdogs of our public institutions. Washburned U has been created to provide a forum to inform. While most of the content is purely informational, some content may be challenging and even critical. The intent is not to damage Washburn University, but to hold accountable those who are in positions of authority so that they will not damage Washburn University. This web site belongs to anyone who is interested in seeing that Washburn University is all that it should be to this diverse community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and taxpayers.
The Forum.
The most important element of this web site is the public forum, which is included as a link on most of the pages within this web site. Please register and participate in this exchange of ideas. Your comments, reflections, observations and complaints are the foundation of this site and can be made anonymously, if you like.