The University Daily Kansan, the University of Kansas’ student newspaper, is facing a drastic 80% budget cut that could threaten its future operations, leaving the student body’s access to independent reporting on campus in jeopardy.
The Kansan has been the student voice for more than 120 years, providing coverage of campus events, including KU basketball games, reports on student organizations and local events. It also serves as the only source of news related to KU student senate. However, on February 5, the paper’s staff received the news that a proposed funding change would result in the organizations funds taking a drastic hit. The funding the Kansan receives pays their staff. With an 80% cut, student pay would slashed from $3.64 per student to just 75 cents. This proposal could have severe consequences for both the paper’s staff and those who read it.
Courtney Lane, the Kansan’s editor-in-chief, and Gracie Wheeler, the business manager, presented their case for continued funding before the student senate Fee Committee on February 3, advocating for the importance of the paper to the student body. Despite their efforts, they were caught off guard by the budget cuts announced shortly after the presentation.
“I came into the newsroom and heard our advisor talking to a lawyer on the phone, and that’s when I realized what had happened,” Lane Rozin, managing editor for the Kansan said. “It was really devastating. For student senate to tell us that we weren’t important enough, that we didn’t have as big an impact on the student body as other organizations, was a punch in the gut.”
The cut in funding would significantly reduce or eliminate the paper’s ability to pay its 16 paid staff members, including reporters, business team members and editors. For years, staff turnover and retention have been an issue, with many students leaving before completing a full year. Paid positions have helped provide stability, allowing the paper to keep aspiring journalists, but an 80% cut could threaten this progress. Without adequate funding, the paper would struggle to maintain its current content output, potentially leading to fewer articles, reduced coverage and fewer opportunities for student journalists to gain experience.
“We are at risk of losing our ability to pay our staff, and that could mean the end of our ability to produce quality journalism,” Rozin said. “When you take away our ability to pay staff, it impacts everything—the quality of the work, the accuracy of the content, and the opportunities we’re able to provide to our student journalists.”
In addition to the direct financial impact, the Kansan’s staff is concerned about the loss of campus traditions tied to the paper, such as the distribution of print issues during KU basketball games. These publications are cherished by many students, some of whom keep them as mementos or even frame articles.
“This is more than just newsprint,” Rozin said. “The basketball paper is part of KU’s tradition. They’ll tear it up into a little confetti cone and it’s been a really big part of KU traditions. Students are excited to receive them, and it’s a moment of pride for our staff, too. It’s disheartening to think that might be taken away.”
A heated student senate meeting on February 12 saw strong support for the Kansan from both students and alumni, but many student senate members cited the university’s growing debt and limited funding as reasons for the proposed cuts. While the fee committee recommended alternative funding through the KU journalism school, Rozin stressed the importance of maintaining the paper’s independence.
“Being under the J-School would mean we lose the student-run, student-led aspect of the Kansan,” he explained. “We can’t be under the university’s control. We need to be free to report as we see fit.”
The senate meeting on February 12 resulted in the rejection of the proposed cut, meaning the proposal will be sent back to the Fee Committee for revision.
Rozin expressed concern over the broader implications for student journalism, warning that this defunding could set a dangerous precedent that could affect other university newspapers nationwide. As the situation unfolds, students, alumni and community members have rallied around the Kansan, signing petitions and calling for a reversal of the proposed cuts.
In response to the looming crisis, the Kansan has added a donation button to its website, but Rozin emphasized the need for sustainable, reliable funding to ensure the paper’s future.
“Donations are helpful, but we need more than just a temporary fix. We need a commitment to the future of student journalism. We provide opportunities for students to learn, grow, and engage in meaningful work. That’s something that shouldn’t be undervalued,” Rozin said.
As the debate continues, the Kansan’s staff hopes the university and student senate will recognize the importance of supporting independent student journalism as a vital part of the KU community.
To support the Kansan, students and community members can visit the paper’s website to sign petitions or donate.
