Thank you for picking up the March issue of the Free Press! March is Women’s History Month, where we recognize women’s past and present contributions to our history and society. It’s an important reminder that much of women’s equality and progress was hard-earned, but also a reminder that women are still working to overcome systemic barriers. This March, I believe it is especially important to recognize past and present women because the rights, equality and respect they fought for are being contested.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly employed misogynistic remarks against women, and since his second term began, it has become increasingly normal to speak and act derogatorily towards women.

I have been working on the paper for almost four years now. When our editors plan and publish the paper, we are always focused
on representing the entire student body. Still, I remember sitting in the journalism room and realizing that the monthly photo gallery featured no photos of women. While it was just one page in the paper, that moment truly demonstrated to me how women are still unconsciously underappreciated.

Despite these reminders, I am constantly surrounded by smart, powerful women. I see them becoming the first in their families to attend college, leading teams and clubs and taking active roles in our community. I see our journalism program led by five female editors-in-chief and supported by a majority female editorial staff. These women and their accomplishments are evidence that women are so much more than a smile.

So, when planning this issue, I knew it was important to focus on both the adversity women face and their successes. This edition highlights the news stories that are often underreported and the women who may not always receive the recognition that they deserve. As you flip through this paper, I hope that you are reminded not only of the challenges women continue to face but also of their resilience and successes because women’s achievements are worth celebrating.