Journalism: the business of reporting the news.

A journalist: someone who lives in reality 24/7, unwilling to cover up truths.

Starting last Thursday, The Daily Evergreen took on the challenge of presenting our readers with the facts about alcohol and drug abuse, the policies when people violate laws and ways community members can help protect each other. We offered evidence; now I ask, can you face the truth?

As both a Coug and a journalist, I’ve reported on falls, covered deaths and detailed the goals of university and community leaders, all in regards to alcohol and drug abuse. As the editor-in-chief of The Daily Evergreen, I decided to meet with those leaders in order to understand how the newspaper, the voice of the students, could best serve the conversation on how to prevent further tragedies.

I discovered that the conversation wasn’t pushing abstinence from all substances, but rather helping students understand the consequences of abusing them and how to reach out when they or a friend need help. So I called upon my staff, and we put together the series “Cougs Under the Influence: Liquor, Laws and Learning.”

But the conversation does not end with today’s paper. We felt we needed to provide students with a forum to respond to the facts and ask those in charge what they need to know about their rights and safety. Next Tuesday, Nov. 5, The Daily Evergreen will host a free open panel in the CUB Auditorium from 5 to 7 p.m. Students, faculty and community members should take this opportunity to voice their concerns about the alcohol culture at WSU.

Joining me on the panel are WSU President Elson S. Floyd, Health and Wellness Director Bruce Wright, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Expert Stacey Hust, Pullman Regional Hospital ER Director Stacey Aggabao, ASWSU President Taylor Hennessey, Alcohol Task Force member Bob Cady, and WSU Police Chief Bill Gardner.

As a journalist, I face reality 24/7. I have the privilege of living the truth. Now, I’m offering you the opportunity to join The Daily Evergreen in a continuation of the conversation about the alcohol culture at WSU.

Please, as a Coug, bring your voice to the discussion next Tuesday.  

-Christine Rushton is a senior communication major from Covington. She can at [email protected]. The opinions expressed in this Column are not necessarily those of the staff of The Daily Evergreen or those of Student Publications.