As Western Kentucky University continues to resist full disclosure of records responsive to the College Heights Herald open records requests, and memories of the University of Kentucky's attacks on The Kernel remain fresh, a reminder:

"College and university leaders gain nothing from disparaging their own student media. This disingenuous approach runs counter to higher education's core values and leads to immediate negative effects on campus and in local communities.

"It also has implications for the future of our democracy, which relies on strong journalism and well-trained journalists. Institutions have a responsibility to truly deliver on their missions at all times, and especially in the times we're in now — rife with misinformation, disinformation, partisan outlets and attacks on the media. It's easy to dismiss young, inexperienced journalists, but doing so has consequences that extend far beyond the campus gates and long after students graduate or administrators move on to other jobs. This recognition is long overdue. Higher education needs to do better."