MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - The Daily Helmsman, the independent student newspaper for the University of Memphis, has had $25,000 in funding restored after a review showed the paper's content may have contributed to its budget being cut.
One third of the newspaper's budget was slashed by the 7-member Student Fee Allocation Committee, which is comprised of university staff, faculty and students who recommend how annual Student Activity Fee funds are dispersed. After an internal review of the process, it was determined the content of the paper, which at times can be critical of the university, may have been a factor in the committee's decision.
"The University of Memphis remains committed to both the First Amendment and our long history of having an independent student newspaper," University President Dr. Shirley Raines stated in an August 31 release. "We recognize that all University funding decisions related to the student newspaper should be made regardless of the content of the newspaper, whether these decisions are made by students, faculty or staff."
In addition to restoring the newspaper's funding, Raines added the university will recommend a structured process for funding The Daily Helmsman prior to the 2013-2014 funding cycle.
