Of all the content in a newspaper, editorials are arguably the most divisive.

Where news presents factual events to the reader, editorials deliver opinion and judgment. Often, these judgements can offend readers of opposing stances. However, these verdicts do not come without a deep understanding of facts. It is every reporter’s job to gather evidence regarding current events and then we, as an editorial board, attempt to sift through those facts and come to an educated conclusion.

An editorial is most successful when it can bring human opinion that is based on factual news, and a well written editorial can benefit both sides of the argument. Should you agree with our stance, hopefully you can gain a stronger basis of fact to defend your point in the future. Even those who disagree are persuaded to look deeper into their own view and possibly reevaluate their stance.

One of the largest complaints regarding editorials is that the members of the board simply hide behind the anonymity and take advantage of their ability to present a view that many may find offensive.

We do not hide, but instead, our unnamed editorials give us the protection necessary to try and present an often hard and rarely popular stance on the news. Despite how brave any person may consider themselves, our public opinions are constantly influenced by those who feel differently.

In any community where there are resounding political, moral and spiritual views (i.e. a Christian college) it can be difficult to present an unaltered, opposing opinion. Political and social issues can be very polarizing. While our stance will not always be in opposition to public opinion, when it is, our attempt to reach a strong consensus will remain unaltered by a fear of being singled out for our beliefs.

The editorial board is the purveyor of opinion in any publication. Our printed views are not aimed at being offensive, countercultural or even unpopular. But sometimes they are. Our opinion is gathered through consensus, protected from belief and most importantly, based on a thorough understanding and an educated reading of the facts.