GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- We reported recently how Grand Valley State University administrators handled their displeasure over a student newspaper editorial that questioned the sway of donors.



Heavy-handed would be a kind way to characterize the administration's reaction. Alarming is how I'd describe it. Their angry phone calls and poor choice of words to express their dismay at some harsh language in the editorial compromised what should be a culture of free debate and expression on campus.



Respecting the students' opinion and penning an eloquent rebuttal explaining why donors matter would have been a wise way to handle it. Instead, top administrators wrote in a letter to the editor that said "perhaps The Lanthorn staff should return their scholarships to the university for reissuance to students who would be more appreciative of our donors," and maneuvered themselves into a high-profile public relations mess.

Related: GVSU's response to student newspaper editorial has chilling effect on freedom of speech, student says



What hasn't yet been made public is the administration's apology to the newspaper staff. The administrators who wrote it call the letter a "clarification."

The letter lays out important principles a public university should live up to. So after some efforts to remind GVSU that the letter should be public and that a public university should act like one at all times, I obtained a copy.

Here is it, addressed to Lanthorn staff.

The letter was signed by two vice presidents: Matthew McLogan of university relations and Karen Loth of development.



I applaud the administrators for clearing the air, and recommitting to those principles.



I'd also like to recognize Lanthorn Editor Lizzy Balboa for two awards of excellence she and The Lanthorn staff received at the Michigan Press Association annual convention on Feb. 1.

Balboa was awarded a $1,000 MPA scholarship, and The Lanthorn won the general excellence award for its division.



There was a nice bounce in Balboa's step when MPA members offered extra loud cheers for The Lanthorn as she crossed the stage with the award. Sometimes free speech comes in the form of an extra clap.

Julie Hoogland is editor of MLive Grand Rapids Press. Connect: Twitter | Facebook | Email | Google+ | LinkedIn