With all of the controversy that arose over the December editorial entitled, "Making Education Absolutely Ludicrous," it seemed fitting to write an informative piece regarding the purpose of editorials.

Most people have heard the word "editorial" before, and many others know that an editorial is a type of newspaper opinion piece. However, an editorial is really more than just an opinion; it’s the opinion of the entire newspaper staff.

As such, by simply being on the Bear Facts staff, every editor, every reporter, and every columnist is claiming the opinion expressed in the editorial as his or her own.

Being that the editorial represents the opinion of a large group of students, it is designed to present student opinions on various issues to a greater audience.

When Mary Lauer, principal, came to talk to the newspaper staff recently regarding her concerns with the last editorial, she acknowledged that the opinions expressed in the newspaper help her understand what students think about the work she and her colleagues do at Bear Creek. Therefore, Lauer does not expect the newspaper staff’s opinions to always be the same as her own.

In fact, Bear Facts is not affiliated with the administration or the school board in any way, as is stated in the staff box that appears on page two of the newspaper every month.

Student press laws in the state of Colorado are among the most lenient in the country.

Basically, a student newspaper staff can write about anything it chooses (regardless of how controversial the topic may be) without any ill-repercussions, so long as the article, editorial, what have you is not libelous, slanderous, or defamatory.

These privileges are rooted in the First Amendment to the Constitution, which states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

However, with privilege comes responsibility. Journalists hold a position of trust among the audiences they serve and therefore must abide by a Code of Ethics. Not only do journalists have the responsibility to seek the truth and report it, they are also expected to follow guidelines such as being accountable and minimizing harm. Nevertheless, it is important to note that there is a difference between doing harm and printing an unpopular opinion. Part of the purpose of an editorial is to get people talking, which sometimes meanings sparking controversy.

Bear Facts exists as a public forum for the students, staff, and community of Bear Creek High School.

This means that the newspaper staff welcomes letters to the editor from anyone who’s a part of the aforementioned audience.

The Bear Facts staff takes letters to the editor very seriously, and while letters in response to what we have written will seldom cause us to change our opinions, we strive to listen to constructive criticism and learn from it.

So, if an opinion presented in Bear Facts upsets you, consider writing a letter to the editor. In fact, if you have an opinion on anything (whether Bear Facts has addressed it or not), writing a letter to the editor is a great way to make your voice heard.