PETITION CLOSED

  • The time period for signing this petition has ended.
Increase Diversity at The New York Times Op-Ed Pages
  1. Signatures
    360 out of 10,000
    Petitioning
    1. Executive Editor, New York Times (+ 1 other)
      Petitioning
      close
      • Executive Editor, New York Times (Bill Keller)
      • Publisher, New York Times (Arthur Sulzberger Jr)
  2. Created By
    The OpEd Project
About this Petition Petition Letter Petition Updates

The quality of public debate—and by extension, the quality of our lives as influenced by that debate in countless, critical ways—is exponentially enhanced by a diversity of voices and perspectives. From October to December 2010, 80% of op-eds in The New York Times were written by men. Join us in encouraging the Times to make sure their next op-ed columnist hire is a person who embodies some of the demographic categories and life experiences most left out of the op-ed pages at present—including women, people of color, LGBTQ folks, people with disabilities etc. It's not just right; it's better for everyone.

 

Why People Are Signing
Recent Signatures

New York Times, Don't Hire Another White Dude Columnist

Greetings New York Times Editorial Staff,

We, the undersigned, pledge our solidarity with The New York Times editorial staff as they search for a new columnist to replace the venerable Bob Herbert, who contributed so much to the nation’s awareness of issues as varied and important as the trafficking of girls and women, poverty, and education.

We know that the quality of public debate—and by extension, the quality of our lives as influenced by that debate in countless, critical ways—is exponentially enhanced by a diversity of voices and perspectives. At present, we suffer from a chorus of voices that is too often homogenous. A participation rate of roughly 85-to-15 percent, men to women, is common—whether members of Congress, or writers on the op-ed pages. From October to December 2010, 80% of op-eds in The New York Times were written by men.

As such, we support and encourage the Times to select a writer who embodies some of the demographic categories and life experiences most left out of the op-ed pages at present—including women, people of color, LGBTQ folks, people with disabilities etc.

We look forward to hearing the fresh and wise perspective that you introduce through your next selection for columnist and appreciate your commitment to diversifying the nation’s op-ed pages.

Sincerely,

The Op-Ed Project
Feministing.com
and friends

[Your name]

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