Letters to Dateline and the marketplace of ideas, principles

By Clifton B. Parker

As part of Dateline’s commitment to intellectual debate, letters and forum pieces are published in the newspaper. Although this opportunity is not available at many other colleges and universities, we believe it is important to provide this forum so that members of the community can communicate with each other about topics affecting the university. These contributions promote a diversity of opinion and stimulate thinking. Letters should address issues and ideas of general interest. If they do call into question a particular individual’s actions or decisions, or the basis for a particular program or effort, Dateline will allow the individual or program in question to respond. Like most newspapers, however, Dateline will not print letters that include incorrect information or personal attacks, and will edit letters for accuracy and length.

Letters are limited to 250 words, and they must be received by noon Monday prior to the next issue of Dateline.

As with most newspapers, Dateline also will not publish ongoing debates — letters rebutting letters — by the same author who raised the issue in the first place, in order to allow space for more points of view. To better give all members of the community opportunity, Dateline will accept letters from the same author once every 30 days.

Because of space limitations, Dateline occasionally will limit the number of letters on one subject or not publish letters with redundant ideas. Some letters may be held due to space limitations, and they will be published in the order they were submitted. As a publicly funded publication, Dateline is not able to print advocacy letters regarding union and non-campus elections. Letter writers must take responsibility for their thoughts.

Unsigned letters — or those that appear to be "form letters" — will not be published. Form letters are defined as letters in a standardized format that may be sent to different people or to large numbers of recipients. Letters signed by multiple people who clearly did not write the letter may also be declined.

Most importantly, the Dateline editors guide all content so that it upholds the UC Davis Principles of Community — including letters to the editor.

Those principles reinforce the university as an open and fair marketplace of ideas within the bounds of respect and dignity. They include this key point: "We affirm the right of freedom of expression within our community and affirm our commitment to the highest standards of civility and decency towards all." In accordance with these Principles of Community, Dateline will not publish letters that include a personal attack on another member of the campus community. Dateline will also not publish letters that are a product of an orchestrated campaign to disparage or intimidate members of the campus community, or that would inflame an already contentious issue.

Dateline also welcomes longer forum "opinion" pieces of up to 800 words from faculty and staff. Like the letters, forum pieces should be of broad campus interest and include thoughtful analysis of issues.

Dateline’s policies and contact information can be found online at www.dateline.ucdavis.edu. Please keep your letters coming. Let us know how we’re doing — we always remain open to your feedback. And thank you for spending the time with Dateline to stay informed.

Clifton Parker is the editor of Dateline.