Students launch rival paper on the Internet

By Lauren Roth
The Scranton Times


Citing ethical concerns about the student newspaper at the University of Scranton, several students plan to launch an online rival at UofSNow.com. 

Joshua P. Stewart, 21, a senior from Crofton, Md., two weeks ago resigned, along with another student, over the newspaper's endorsement of a candidate for freshman class president.

Stewart, a psychology and communications major, was managing editor of the Aquinas newspaper last year when the university suspended it after an April Fool's edition filled with crude humor, some of it aimed at university faculty and administration. The campus Student Publications Board later named Mr. Stewart interim editor-in-chief, but passed him over for the permanent position.

That job, which pays a $2,400 stipend, went to Jason Michael Holly, a 23-year-old Wyoming senior majoring in political science, philosophy and international studies. Mr. Holly was the editorial page editor before becoming interim managing editor and then editor-in-chief.

Stewart said he left the paper because of Mr. Holly's "several conflicts of interest."

Holly is a nephew of Gerry Zaboski, university director of public relations and publications, and is chairman of the College Republicans.

Holly defended his integrity and that of the newspaper. His uncle did likewise.

"I did not even ask anyone to put a good word in for him," Mr. Zaboski said. "That was done entirely through Student Affairs."

Holly called his College Republicans post "ceremonial" and said it had nothing to do with the endorsement of Republican freshman class president candidate Chris Molitoris, who also writes a column for the paper.

"The managing editor and I selected three freshmen editors who had to come to a consensus decision," he said. "No one else was there."

According to the endorsement written by editorial page editor Francis Gradijan, Molitoris was chosen for his "affability."

Junior Stephen Clark of Philadelphia said he also resigned because of the endorsement. Because Clark was helping coordinate the elections, he said he asked Holly to avoid endorsements to prevent a conflict of interest.

Holly said they only agreed not to publish political ads.

"I didn't think it was necessarily fair," Clark said of the endorsement. He said he will help the new publication and holds no grudge against Molitoris, who did not win the election.

Stewart is launching UofSNow.com with Michael Hill, a 21-year-old communications major from Bloomsburg. Hill was also passed over for the editor-in-chief spot and has questioned the selection process. Monica Herald has also worked on the first issue.

"We're not trying to be the same thing as the Aquinas," Hill said. "We're just trying bring a fair, accurate and ethical viewpoint and student voice."

Stewart said his publication will cover topical campus news and more controversial topics like corruption.

The Aquinas' managing editor, Jessica Grizzanti of Peckville, said the students are doing their best.

"All I know is I come in all week and work really hard with kids, and we're trying to do a good thing," she said. "I stand by Jason's decision. I'm proud of this paper. If I wasn't, I wouldn't work here."