Student Photojournalist’s Perspective on Campus Protests

Campus Unrest: A Student’s Outlook

August 12, 2015, marked a turning point in the history of the university. Tensions,simmering for some time,finally boiled over,plunging the campus into a state of crisis. it all began when a routine software update fundamentally altered the way students interacted with the university’s website. The change, intended to streamline the user experience, backfired spectacularly.The very core of the university’s online presence, its website, became unusable for many students. “There needs to be a blank file with the correct permissions in order for me to update with UI,” frustrated students lamented on online forums [[1](https://github.com/wp-cli/wp-cli/issues/1981)]. This seemingly technical glitch quickly escalated into a widespread outcry. Students, accustomed to interacting with the university through its website, found their academic lives disrupted.registration, accessing course materials, and even submitting assignments became challenging and unpredictable. The university’s inability to swiftly address the issue only amplified student dissatisfaction and mistrust.

A Call for Transparency

The crisis exposed a deeper issue: the lack of communication and transparency between the university management and the student body. Students felt unheard and ignored,their concerns dismissed as mere technical hiccups. This disconnect, coupled with the ongoing website malfunctions, fostered a climate of unrest and uncertainty. The situation demanded immediate action from the university.

Columbia University Protests Captured Through the Lens

Just after October 7th, Columbia University’s campus became the focal point of intense student protests. amidst the turmoil,freelance photojournalist Gabriella Gregor Splaver was present,ready to document the unfolding events. as a recent Columbian graduate and former photojournalist for the esteemed Columbia Daily Spectator, Splaver had a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the campus community. She was uniquely positioned to capture the raw emotions, energy, and complexities of the student-led demonstrations.

Campus Protests Erupt in October

The campus was abuzz with activity shortly after October 7th, as protests sprang up, catching everyone’s attention.”Literally, it was wake up, go cover the encampment provided that I can, go back home, go to sleep, and do it again,” recalled a journalist covering the events.

Student Journalists Offer Unique View of Encampment

Emerging student journalists are bringing fresh perspectives to the forefront, offering a unique glimpse into the experiences and realities within encampments that often go unnoticed by mainstream media. Their on-the-ground presence allows them to capture scenes and stories that might potentially be overlooked by outside press, providing a more intimate and nuanced understanding of the encampment life.

Finding a Unique Perspective in Photojournalism

emerging into a field crowded with seasoned photojournalists can be daunting. one aspiring photographer faced this very challenge, pondering her unique contribution.

“And that moment,⁣ I was like, OK, what‌ can ⁢I bring to the ⁣table that all of these other experienced photojournalists around me maybe⁣ can’t?” she wondered. “So, for me, it was, I know‍ this community, ​and I know the difference between what‌ is happening right‌ now and all these other students that are walking to ⁤class or what it was like two weeks‌ ago.”

Immersing herself in her community provided her with an invaluable perspective. She recognized the subtle shifts in atmosphere, the unspoken stories unfolding around her, and the contrasts between the present moment and recent history. This intimate understanding fostered a unique ability to capture the essence of her surroundings through her lens. Navigating the complexities of community involvement frequently enough presents unique challenges. One individual, Splaver, found themselves wrestling with the tension between maintaining objectivity as an observer and actively participating as a member of the community. This balancing act proved difficult, forcing Splaver to confront the inherent complexities of both roles. Balancing objectivity with personal connection is a challenge faced by many journalists, especially when covering events close to home. This struggle was poignantly captured by a photojournalist covering a student protest at Columbia University. “You know, on one hand, as a photojournalist, you’re supposed to be covering these things unbiasedly and what’s actually occurring,” she reflected. “But simultaneously occurring, as a student of Columbia, I know the person who’s sitting in that tent. I know the person who’s in that building. And I’m surrounded by a lot of my peers.” This quote highlights the delicate balance between professional detachment and personal empathy that journalists often navigate. It raises notable questions about the nature of objectivity and the challenges of reporting on events that personally resonate.

Capturing Crisis: A Student’s Perspective

Imagine witnessing a global crisis unfold from the unique vantage point of a student. This was the goal of Splaver, an individual resolute to shed light on a tumultuous event through the firsthand experiences of young people directly impacted. By adopting the perspective of a student, Splaver aimed to offer a deeply personal and intimate understanding of the crisis, one that transcended the typical news narratives and delved into the emotional and psychological impact on those navigating this complex landscape.

Capturing Crisis: A student’s Perspective

Imagine witnessing a global crisis unfold from the unique vantage point of a student. This was the goal of Splaver, an individual determined to shed light on a tumultuous event through the firsthand experiences of young people directly impacted. By adopting the perspective of a student, Splaver aimed to offer a deeply personal and intimate understanding of the crisis, one that transcended the typical news narratives and delved into the emotional and psychological impact on those navigating this complex landscape.
## Archyde Interview: Student Perspectives on Campus Unrest



**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde. Today, we’re discussing the recent student protests that gripped Columbia University.Joining us is [Student Name], a [Year] at Columbia and active participant in the demonstrations. [Student Name], thank you for being here.



**Student:** Thanks for having me.



**Host:** You were at the heart of the protests following the website debacle in early August. Can you describe the atmosphere on campus at that time?



**Student:** It was tense, to say the least. The website crash, while seemingly minor to outsiders, threw our entire academic life into disarray. Registering for classes, accessing materials, even submitting assignments – everything became a struggle.



**Host:** Many students felt unheard by the university administration. Did you sense a disconnect between the students and the leadership during this crisis?



**Student:** Absolutely. There was a lack of transparency and communication. We felt ignored, like our concerns weren’t taken seriously. The university’s response just fuelled the anger and frustration.



**host:** the protests escalated quickly. Can you talk about what inspired students to take to the streets?



**Student:** It wasn’t just about the website anymore. This became a symbolic battle – a fight for our voices to be heard, for the administration to be accountable. We wanted them to understand the real impact of their decisions on our lives.



**Host:** How did you navigate the complexities of these protests while also trying to manage your academics?



**Student:** It was a balancing act. We were driven by a deep sense of purpose, but it wasn’t easy. Many of us were putting our studies on hold, risking academic consequences to be part of this movement.



**Host:** How have things changed at Columbia since the protests?



**Student:** I think the protests opened up a crucial dialog. We forced the administration to confront the issues of communication and accountability. There have been some positive changes, though I think it’s too soon to declare a complete victory.



**host:** Looking back, what would you say is one key lesson learned from this experience?



**Student:** The power of collective action. When students come together and raise their voices, they can effect real change.





**Host:** Thank you, [Student Name], for sharing your insights and experiences. This has been enlightening.



**Student:** My pleasure.