Letter from the Editors-in-Chief:
In recent weeks, we have received feedback from members of our community regarding the cover photo in our February 2026 issue. We want to begin by acknowledging that this image caused pain and concern for some readers, particularly some members of our Jewish community. We are deeply sorry that the photo brought up historical hurt and made students, families and community members feel confused or unseen.
We chose this photo to document a national protest movement that took place at Dolores Park in San Francisco, which students were covering as part of broader reporting on civic engagement and activism. Our intent was to capture a real moment of public demonstration beyond Redwood’s campus, one that reflected the national conversation and divide that students are witnessing and participating in.
The photo included many signs and messages held by individuals at the protest. As a journalism program, we do not endorse the viewpoints expressed on individual signs within a news photograph. Our goal was to document the event as it happened, not to promote any specific message within it. We recognize, however, that intent does not always equal impact, and that the visual framing of an image can communicate meaning in ways we may not fully anticipate.
We also want to be transparent about journalistic practice: news photos cannot be altered or selectively edited without compromising credibility and ethical standards. Our responsibility is to present reality as it occurred. At the same time, we recognize that publishing choices, including which photo becomes a cover, carry weight and require thoughtful discussion and diverse perspectives.
This moment has prompted important reflection within our staff. We are actively continuing conversations as a class about how we select cover images, how we evaluate visual context and how we ensure that more voices are involved when decisions intersect with identity, history and community impact. Moving forward, we will be implementing a clearer process for cover selection that includes:
- More time for staff discussion and deliberation
- Additional perspectives when topics are especially sensitive or complex
- A more structured voting and review process before publication
- Opportunities to consult community context when appropriate
The Bark remains committed to its core values: growing as student journalists, serving our community and reporting truthfully and responsibly. We care deeply about every group within our school community, and we want to be clear: we stand with you. Your safety, belonging and dignity matter.
This experience reinforces something we believe is at the heart of student journalism: covering real-world issues requires care, humility and a willingness to listen. We will continue learning, growing and striving to do better.
We also invite anyone to voice their concerns or opinions on the matter. Letters to the editor are welcome and encouraged as part of this conversation. Please see our letter to the editor policy and process below.
Letters to the editor are accepted and may or may not be published based on the decision of the opinion editors and editors-in-chief as to whether or not the material will be thought-provoking, educational, entertaining or have other content of merit. Letters should be emailed to [email protected], signed and no longer than 500 words. Unsigned letters will not be published. The Bark staff reserves the right to edit letters for length and clarity if the author’s essential intent or meaning is not changed significantly. Letters will be printed without reply or rebuttal.
