Can’t Print Here: University of Central Oklahoma Accused of Censoring Student Paper.

The University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) is under fire after halting the print edition of its 122-year-old student newspaper, The Vista — a move critics say stifles free speech on campus. A legal group representing student journalists has accused the university of silencing dissent by shutting down the print version of the publication after repeated clashes over editorial content that reflected poorly on UCO leadership. While the university claims the decision was based on budget concerns, it reportedly rejected private donations that would have covered the cost — raising further questions about its motives.

Students and advocates argue that eliminating print strips the paper of visibility, tradition, and impact, and fear this could set a troubling precedent for censorship under the guise of financial restraint. Despite shifting to digital-only, The Vista‘s staff says their ability to inform and engage the campus community has been diminished — and they’re demanding the right to publish in print once again. As the battle between cost-cutting and constitutional rights unfolds, UCO faces growing scrutiny over whether it values free press or fears it.