When Student Voices Are Ignored

We are profoundly concerned and deeply disappointed by the disregard for basic journalistic integrity shown by student media in their treatment of the Colloquium and the serious issues we have raised.

Both University Times and Trinity News approached us for information regarding the accident of 16 September, and we engaged with them openly, providing extensive information and making ourselves fully available for comment. We were given the impression that our voice would be properly considered. The reality, however, has been a stark and unacceptable deviation from this.

In the case of Trinity News, we are frankly surprised by their complete dismissal of our concerns. After we provided them with detailed information, the publication of the story was ultimately killed by the Editor-in-Chief's decision. We are deeply shocked that a student newspaper would simply choose to ignore serious issues raised directly by students. If this kind of media refuses to report on the very people it is supposed to represent, it ceases to be a voice for the student body and becomes an instrument of silence. How can students expect their experiences to be heard when the press simply looks the other way?

University Times, meanwhile, has taken a different but equally unacceptable route: active bias. By publishing Lily Scanlan, LawSoc Secretary (who is the most active hater of our organization), “The Emperor’s New Law Colloquium: A Cautionary Tale for Society Leaders Everywhere”, they have not merely been unfair; they have used their platform to openly side with the offenders.

We are unhappy that they have denied us the fundamental freedom of speech right, our own opinion piece, or an unedited response to their claims. On the rare occasions they do attempt to address our perspective, it is done in a highly manipulative manner. Deliberately framed to whitewash the offenders, cast the Law School as the aggrieved party, and ultimately indoctrinate the student body with a one-sided, distorted narrative. This is not independent journalism; it is a public relations exercise designed to protect the establishment and gaslight the students.

This is not about demanding favorable coverage. We do not expect journalists to agree with us, nor do we expect all criticism to vanish. We expect basic journalistic fairness: an unfiltered opportunity to respond, proper consideration of evidence, meaningful context.

When one outlet ignores us and the other uses its platform to defend the offenders, deny us our right to reply, and manipulate student opinion, students are entirely entitled to question the very meaning of “independent” student journalism.

We will continue to speak for ourselves and to document what is truly happening within Trinity Law School. We will continue to publish the facts, provide the evidence available to us, and give students a platform when others choose to censor or distort the truth.

We share the truth. We will not allow student voices to be silenced or ignored.

19th Emergency Committee – TCD Law Student Colloquium

UPDATE: 4:29 PM, 7 October We received information that may explain the apparent indifference of the two media outlets mentioned. To be continued very soon.