by Emma Cody on October 23, 2025
Opinion
On Tuesday, Oct. 14, Indiana University’s student-run newspaper, the Indiana Daily Student, was informed that it would be cut for print, effective immediately. This came after media director Jim Rodenbush protested the school’s decision to omit all news coverage from print editions and was ultimately fired. The paper was set to hit the stands on Thursday, Oct. 16; however, IDS informed readers via social media that there would be no print edition that week. Not long after, a social media post was sent out by the IDS official Instagram stating that there would be no further print editions of the IDS.
Indiana University’s reasoning behind its decision is that the printing cost creates a financial deficit. However, IU alum Mark Cuban posted on X (formerly Twitter) to speak out against this, stating, “Not happy. Censorship isn’t the way.” Cuban has donated $500,000 to Indiana University’s school newspaper over the past 5 years, and $250,000 this year alone. Cuban’s publicized announcement of his previous donations implies the University’s motivation primarily has to do with the censorship of student voices rather than a lack of funding.
Especially in light of the recent attacks on free speech in the United States, the timing of IU’s decisions does not go unnoticed. Student journalism is of utmost importance, especially considering the current political climate, and we need to ensure that free speech remains on college campuses. We stand in solidarity with IDS and encourage all to continue to support student journalism.
Signed,
Providence College’s The Cowl Editorial Board