Note: We recognize that this is long overdue. The reason we released the apology now is because the leadership of the paper has changed and the current staff felt it was necessary. Additionally, we did not want to mention the exact articles or dates they were published as that would further the anger and pain our publication has caused the LGBTQIA+ community. 

The Carroll News would like to clearly and unconditionally apologize for any pain the history of our publication has caused members of the LGBTQIA+ community. As a public platform, The Carroll News strives to include all members of our community and truly reflect the rich and diverse student body we have the honor of representing.

Since 1925, The Carroll News has been the student voice of John Carroll. We are dedicated to including all students in that voice by presenting a balanced approach to news and student opinions.

As our manual states, “The editorial staff is expected to provide commentaries and opinions on events and issues clearly with a sense of fairness, understanding opposing opinions and the Catholic and Jesuit nature of the university.”

We have failed to abide by these governing statements and featured insensitive, hurtful writings while also neglecting to actively pursue the opposing and balancing perspective. These actions caused internet bullying, fear and stress for the LGBTQIA+ community.

The manual continues, “It is expected that in its writing and in its dealing with people, The Carroll News will demonstrate respect and fairness to all members of the university community and other subjects of the news and editorial content.”

The Carroll News regretfully did not act by the standards set forth in our manual, which provides nearly a century’s worth of wisdom and guidance to the paper’s staff.

The Carroll News has reflected on the identity of the paper within the John Carroll community. We recognize that we have a responsibility to abide by the journalistic and ethical standards set forth in our manual. We recognize that we have failed to do this in the past.

We therefore express sincere regret for the pain the LGBTQIA+ community experienced due to our divergence from our governing document.

The Carroll News fully supports members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Though we cannot change events of the past, we can reshape our future by periodically meeting with members of the LGBTQIA+ community and other historically under-represented minority groups on campus to obtain their candid feedback and advice for our paper.

We are deeply sorry. Going forward, we will strive to foster inclusivity, superior journalistic ethics and a respect for all persons that has so defined our experience as John Carroll students.