The Optimist strives to bring its audience truthful, factual and unbiased news. However, the Opinion page is different. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects the freedom of speech, and the opinion page exercises that freedom.

The title of this page is Opinion, and that is what you will find. The views expressed are those of individuals, not the university or the Optimist as a whole. Columns are intended to encourage conversation among all readers and especially ACU students. Several of the columns produced may be controversial, many will agree with the opinion, many will not.

Not all columns will cover hot-button issues, but all are intended to provoke thought. A column is successful when the reader pauses to consider what has been brought to the table. We always encourage feedback on our columns.

In addition to individual columns, most issues will feature an editorial. Editorials represent the consensus views of the Optimist editorial board. Members come together and discuss topics ranging from international, domestic, state and local news -as well as issues here on campus.

The members on the editorial board come from varied backgrounds and majors, bringing forth distinctive views and mindsets. Based on our own thoughts and gauging what we hear around the campus, we on the board attempt to reach an agreement. We do not claim to speak for the university or to be a general representation of every student’s thoughts.

The editorial is left unsigned because it is not the viewpoint of one sole individual, but of several. Not everyone will agree with what they read, nor will the entire board be always in agreement. This editorial is intended to create discussion and debate.

The cartoon, one of the most popular features of this page, will often be tied into the editorial’s subject or will address changes on campus and within the world.

Feedback should be encouraged in any media outlet, and readers are encouraged to express their views to the Optimist. Voice your opinion by posting comments on stories or by writing letters to the editor at www.acuoptimist.com.