Dear readers, 

Thank you for picking up the first issue of the Record’s 140th volume! 

I’ve come to my role as this semester’s editor-in-chief with a deep respect for student journalism. In a world with less local news, student publications across the country have stepped up to ask crucial questions, tell important stories, and speak truth to power. 

As institutions of higher education have faced heightened scrutiny from the federal government, student journalism has become increasingly important. The Record has taken on this responsibility, documenting the College’s response to disruptions in federal research grants, alteration of diversity, equity, and inclusion language in the faculty handbook, and changes in visa policies. 

We’ll continue to analyze how nationwide stories impact our community, while reporting on the stories that matter most to you, our readers. 

I could not have more faith in the team we have assembled to do this work. We’ve welcomed 17 exceptionally talented students to our editorial board, who will join our returning 23 editors and dozens of staff writers. Together, and in accordance with our editorial policy, we will work diligently to publish the Record each week. 

This semester, we also look forward to welcoming any past member of the Record to campus for a reunion from April 10 to 12. The weekend’s events will include a public keynote conversation with Record alum Eric Schmitt ’82, a 40-year New York Times journalist who has shared four Pulitzer Prizes. With this event, we hope to honor the Record’s history, reflect on the role of journalism today, and learn from those who have shaped it.

As always, we appreciate hearing from our readers ­— students, faculty, staff, and members of the Town community. We welcome you to submit news tips, op-eds, letters to the editor, and any feedback about our coverage and how we’re doing our work. Please contact me at any point at [email protected].

With gratitude, 

Ellie Davis  

Editor-in-Chief