Effective Feb. 16, the comments section on all opinion pieces relating to sexual assault will be closed indefinitely. This includes all pieces published since May 2014. We are conducting a review of our comment policy and hope to update our readers with a revised policy before spring break.

We value the many comments readers have on our stories. When done thoughtfully, comments can further conversations in ways that add insights and provide new perspectives to our stories. Moreover, comments are the most direct way for readers to give feedback to Spectator, which is central to our ongoing goal to improve our coverage.

However, the comments on our opinion pieces related to sexual assault have not been used for these purposes. Instead, anonymous commenters and internet trolls have used this space to spread hate, vitriol, and ad hominem attacks on writers and members of our community rather than offering commentary on the content of the piece or on the complex issue of how to address sexual assault on our campus.

As we conduct this review of our comment policy, we welcome any thoughts or suggestions you may have. The best way to reach us is by emailing editor@columbiaspectator.com

Sincerely,

Michael Ouimette, editor in chief

Samantha Cooney, managing editor

Daniel Friedman, publisher