The University of Santo Tomas (UST) issued a new guideline stating that the school’s administration will be closely monitoring social media posts of student organizations.
However, the guideline was not lightly received by organizations and they are calling for its debunking.
Apparently, the university’s Office of Student Affairs (OSA) released a memorandum dated August 8, which would need the approval of the administration prior to posting on social media by student organizations.
Photo from NUSP President Raoul Manuel
The form is a literal “Permission to Post” document, which is akin to the internet slang PTPA— meaning “permission to post, admin” that is commonly used in Facebook groups to ask for permission in posting something that may be off-topic for the group.
If a social media post is done prior to approval, the adviser can edit the post or completely take it down.
If an agreement on what materials will be cleared for posting between the student organization and the adviser is not reached, the Student Welfare and Development Coordinators (SWDC) or OSA will have the final say.
“The organization adviser shall monitor the social media accounts/postings of the student organization. Posts should be cleared first by the organization adviser,” the memo read.
“In cases of a deadlock between the officers and the organization adviser, the SWDC/OSA will render the final decision on whether something will be posted/taken down,” it added.
The League of Filipino Students-UST also said that the social media guidelines are an added burden to students as it will prolong the process of releasing content, and is a “clear disregard of the students’ democratic rights.”
Anakbayan-UST supported this statement in condemning the new guidelines, saying that “press freedom is needed now more than ever.”
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