Dear UTD community, 

It has been both a great honor and challenge to release the first issue of The Mercury since its dismantling in September 2024. In this past year, there has been no shortage of rumors and speculation that has many unsure of what comes next for The Mercury. Stepping into the role as editor-in-chief meant inheriting a publication marked with a turbulent and controversial history, but it also offered the rare opportunity to rebuild fractured relationships intentionally and purposefully. 

What transpired in the months leading up to the student journalists’ strike was deeply painful for many. A climate of distrust, fear, and concern left a lasting scar on our community. Students felt their voices were silenced or dismissed and reporters perceived pressure to compromise their journalistic values. That is not journalism, and it will never be The Mercury again. 

My utmost priority as editor-in-chief has been to rebuild these relationships. Not through empty promises or by being polite, but through action and dedication. This will take time, but make no mistake, we’re here to stay.   

That being said, our return has not been universally welcomed. Some student organizations and individuals have gone out of their way to undermine and disrupt our revival and discourage others from supporting us and joining our team. Our work to revive the publication despite constant pushback is a testament to our commitment to serving the UT Dallas community with balanced and fair journalism. To be perfectly clear, The Mercury doesn’t exist to make anyone comfortable. We aren’t looking for approval and will work passionately to amplify all voices, not just those convenient.    

The Mercury is proud to present “Your Voice,” a new orange button located on our website’s navigation bar. Through this page, you can submit op-eds, letters to the editor, story pitches, and photos taken around campus. Selected photos will be featured in a rotating carousel on our home page called “Comet Cam.” Step-by-step submission instructions are available on our website. 

The Mercury invites you to read critically and hold us accountable. Call us out when you think we’ve slipped. Tell us what you want covered. Engage with us on campus. We embrace criticism and deeply value our viewership’s opinion.  

This isn’t a continuation of what once was, but a revival of ethical and true journalism, even if it makes some uncomfortable. The Mercury is back, and this is only the beginning.