In a strongly-worded editorial this week, St. Louis University’s student newspaper said that it disagrees with university administrators who have banned longtime advisor and faculty member Avis Meyer from its newsroom.

Some student editors were hesitant this summer to publicly take a side in the tussle between Meyer (who formerly was a part-time copy editor for the Post-Dispatch) and university administrators. (See the Post-Dispatch story about the conflict that ran in July.) But now it appears the student editors are no longer sitting on the sidelines on this debate.

The editorial states:

“We welcome Meyer to the newsroom. We value his wisdom and perspective. We relish his knowledge and connections. We enjoy his presence and camaraderie. We respect the time that he contributes and his editing skills. We are proud of his insight and fearlessness.

In short, Saint Louis University’s student journalists want Meyer to have access to the newsroom he’s nurtured since Nixon was president.”

 Students conclude the editorial by writing:

“The administration might be able to keep Meyer from the newsroom while the paper is being produced, but they cannot keep his ever-present spirit from continuing to inspire us.

Dr. Meyer remains a friend and mentor to The University News-even if he is not allowed to be physically present when we assemble this clarion of free speech.”