Andrew Mrozowski, President
7 mars 2025
As President of the Canadian University Press (CUP), I am deeply disappointed by the Fanshawe Student Union’s (FSU) decision to shut down one of our longstanding member publication, The Interrobang, on April 4, ending more than 50 years of independent student journalism at Fanshawe College.
While the FSU has cited changing student preferences and a desire to reallocate funds, this decision was made without student consultation, removing a vital platform for campus news, accountability, and professional development. Unlike many student newspapers, The Interrobang does not have its own levy or independent budget, making it vulnerable to unilateral decisions by the FSU’s leadership — an issue that student journalists across Canada continue to fight against.
The claim that this is not merely a cost-cutting measure contradicts the reality that The Interrobang is being eliminated while no clear alternative has been proposed. At a time when independent journalism is under threat, and when the impact of Bill C-18 has already hindered the ability of student newspapers to reach their audiences, this decision only further weakens the state of student media in Canada.
CUP fully supports The Interrobang’s efforts to secure independent funding and urges Fanshawe students to advocate for a referendum to establish a student levy that would keep the paper alive. We call on Fanshawe alumni, student press organizations, and the broader journalism community to stand with The Interrobang and demand transparency and accountability from the FSU.
For over five decades, The Interrobang has served its campus, winning multiple awards and providing students with a crucial voice. This history should not be erased by a decision made behind closed doors.
What You Can Do
Current full-time students of Fanshawe can sign the petition for a referendum via Google Forms
Alumni, part-time students, and community members can show their support here via Change.org
Share this issue widely and demand transparency from the FSU by sending an email using our template below
In addition, we are also providing an email template for our members to lobby the FSU to reconsider preserving. Please see below for the template.
CUP stands with The Interrobang. Student voices matter.
Andrew Mrozowski
President, Canadian University Press
--
EMAIL TEMPLATE TO SEND
To:
fsupresident@fanshawec.ca; g_macieldeagostini@fanshawec.ca; j_thomas191495@fanshawec.ca; s_mills-vissers@fanshawec.ca; fsu@fanshawec.ca; pdevlin@fanshawec.ca; d_smith@fanshawec.ca; communications@fanshawec.ca; j_riddell2@fanshawec.ca; jsaid@fanshawec.ca;
CC:
mbeaudoin@fanshawec.ca; tcaza@fanshawec.ca; scluett@fanshawec.ca; cmcmurray@fanshawec.ca; boosterwal@fanshawec.ca; jlamoureux@fanshawec.ca; jbugorski@fanshawec.ca
Subject: Urgent Concern: Preserve The Interrobang and Student Journalism at Fanshawe
Dear Fanshawe Student Union Leaders,
I am writing to express my deep concern over the Fanshawe Student Union’s decision to shut down The Interrobang after more than 50 years of serving the Fanshawe community. This decision, made without student consultation, threatens independent student journalism and removes a crucial platform for campus news, accountability, and student voices.
While the FSU has cited changing student preferences, it is troubling that no clear alternative has been proposed to replace The Interrobang’s essential role in informing and engaging students. As an award-winning publication, The Interrobang has not only kept students informed but has also provided invaluable opportunities for aspiring journalists, writers, and designers to gain real-world experience. Eliminating this platform without offering a viable replacement silences an important pillar of student representation on campus.
I strongly urge the FSU to reconsider this decision and allow students to have a say in the future of their newspaper. Many student newspapers across Canada operate with an independent levy, ensuring their editorial autonomy while remaining financially sustainable. The FSU should give Fanshawe students the same opportunity to vote on whether The Interrobang should receive dedicated funding to continue operations.
I stand with The Interrobang and the countless students, alumni, and community members who recognize the importance of independent campus media. I urge you to reverse this decision or, at the very least, support a student referendum to determine the newspaper’s future.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Position (if applicable)]
[Your Organization (if applicable)]