Prior to my appointment as editor in chief, I sat on the editorial board as a staff representative and loved having the chance to share opinions on hot-button issues that matter to our readers.
This year, as a part of the editorial board, I hope to continue discussing topics that matter to students and voicing the opinion of The State News to better our community.

Being a member of the editorial board is a great way for members of our staff to really think about the things happening in our community and to reflect on how those events and issues affect our readership.

Alanna Thiede, opinion editor

As opinion editor, I lead the editorial board in discussions and edit all content on the page each day.

I previously was an opinion writer, East Lansing reporter and general assignment reporter at The State News and will use those experiences when choosing topics. I am a journalism senior with a concentration in visual communication.

It is my hope to evoke meaningful discussions through thoughtful, student-focused and colorful editorials. Editorials are not only a way for us to draw attention to issues we believe are worthy, but also a starting point for conversations between readers.

The editorial board also must discuss complex and controversial issues to try and help readers digest information in another manner.

Lazarus Jackson, opinion writer

In no uncertain terms, the editorial board is the voice of the paper as a whole — the collective beliefs of the paper distilled into 450-500 words. I’m on the editorial board because I’m the opinion writer.

Me being black doesn’t mean the only issues I’m attuned to are those of the black community. It also doesn’t mean I’m always sympathetic to the “prevailing black opinion” on subjects. With this in mind, I bring a unique perspective without blind agreement.
Editorial board isn’t about changing minds.

All the editorial board can do is inform you of our viewpoint. The other staff members — and the newspaper itself — also strive to inform their readers.

That’s the goal of the board. If you’re open to change, the evidence the board presents and the stance we take will change your mind for you.

Josh Sidorowicz, multimedia reporter

In a world where common sense has taken a backseat to greed, corruption and outright laziness, it’s more important than ever to have a strong voice in the press holding those individuals accountable. That’s where we come in.

I was elected by the newspaper staff to represent the opinions of the staff as a whole.

Being a member of the editorial board for a second semester now, I know that I have a responsibility to our readers, and it’s a responsibility I hold with great esteem.

Whether it is issues affecting the campus community, the state or the entire country, this semester I hope to provide intelligent, thoughtful and objective insight on some of the most important and pressing issues facing us today.

Josh Mansour, diversity reporter

Becoming the minority representative for the editorial board was an opportunity I desperately wanted.

I wanted to take on greater responsibility, and contributing to the editorial board was one way I felt I could make a difference. As a member of the Jewish faith, I’ve always felt a strong tie to the plight many minorities face, so serving as a representative is an honor I’m very humbled to have been granted.

As the staff’s minority representative, making sure all members of the newsroom are heard is a responsibility I take seriously. Working at The State News this past year has allowed me to develop as a writer and learn a lot about my coworkers, who I’ll strive to represent effectively.

In addition, working as the diversity reporter allows me to interact with minority groups on a regular basis and helps me understand the issues they face.