The week before reading week is one of the busiest and most stressful times at Trent University. Whether you are a student in the midst of exam period or an administrator preparing budgets, this month is generally a tough time to get through.

We acknowledge that it isn’t easy trying to survive under intense workloads while having to balance a job and a social life along with extracurriculars. Such is the bustling life at Trent. In the midst of it all, decisions are being made about the money you are spending, hidden in financial language that takes time to unpack and investigate. Often, the average student doesn’t have the time to break down their usage of these fees.

This editorial is short, but aims to respond to the criticism the article “Serious issues at the Athletic Centre”, published in Issue 12 on January 31. The majority of the feedback we have received has been in regards to the anonymity of the article, citing that perhaps it was the work of a disgruntled Athletic Centre employee hesitant to attach their name in fear of losing their position. A lack of regard for ethical journalism is another reason given for criticism.

These are all fair critiques, and as anyone in a position of authority, it is important to be transparent about the reasons we do the things that we do. We take pride in protecting those that put themselves at risk when voicing their concerns. It is our way of reaching out to the public, to employees and to students. If you are undergoing any kind of oppression at your position of employment we will not disclose your information.

If you are facing such an atmosphere, we urge you to come forward to us, and if you are uncomfortable with putting anything in writing, we can make ourselves available by phone to hear your grievances. Regardless of your fear of being at risk at your workplace, we can assure you that we will do everything in our power to represent your concerns through the conduit of Arthur.

The article surpassed 10,000 views, a first in Arthur Newspaper history. Regardless of the source, it clearly has hit home and resonated with the community, raising questions that has led to an investigation in the vein of this paper’s original purpose.

An employee should be able to speak candidly about their treatment at a workplace. For anything else to be the case is a violation of your legal rights as a worker. Therefore, it is a cause of concern if people are being let go or silenced at their place of work, and we intend to uncover the nature of what is taking place at this University.

Thankfully, we have a gracious team of administrators that have made themselves available to respond to the concerns raised in this article. Below you will read Deborah Bright-Brundle’s response to the article, and she has made herself available to answer the public’s questions.

We would like to apologize to anyone who may have experienced emotional distress in response to the piece published, and hope to move forward in a way that speaks to the spirit of Trent University and Arthur Newspaper.