The Northern Star editorial board does not take lightly our right, and even duty, to print whatever is needed in this space. We hope you don’t either.

Your right to free expression as a student is in jeopardy.

The Northern Star is independent of the university, and entirely dependent on advertising revenue.

Tuesday’s cover story, “Freedom at stake,” shows how the Hosty v. Carter decision has threatened our ability to maintain such a forum.

In a welcomed response, Illinois Sen. Susan Garrett (D-29th) introduced the College Campus Press Act to the Illinois legislature last week. This act would ensure college students avoid administrative review and maintain editorial control.

All college students need to back this legislation so an unchecked university does not take advantage of them with censorship.

The 7th-district federal court of appeals decision has dismissed adults in college, treating them like children. Denial of the right to free speech extends beyond the Northern Star. Your right to student protests such as the one on Lincoln Highway during the Vietnam War has been proved to initiate change.

We are going to bat for President John Peters and this university on needed projects such as repairing the Stevens Building. Gov. Rod Blagojevich will hear from us for as long as necessary. We have your back; now we need your help and that of the Board of Trustees. Support us in defending our right to free speech.

Illinois Sen. Brad Burzynski (R-35th) should be our local ally. His presence on the Illinois Senate Higher Education Committee makes him our conduit to passing this bill. Mr. Burzynski, your opportunity awaits. Do the right thing and don’t let others take away the rights guaranteed us by the highest law of the land.

The editor in chief and the managing editor will be at the March 22 Board of Trustees meeting to lobby for support. We will be persistent, and we will do what it takes to pass this long-overdue law.