In light of the controversy surrounding the publication of Campus Press Assistant Opinions Editor Max Karson’s opinion titled “If it’s war the Asians want…” the editors at the Campus Press are disclosing the process behind their decision to run the article.

Amanda Pehrson, the opinions section editor, said Karson originally approached her with the idea for the piece in mid January. Karson had already written the piece in its entirety. Pehrson said she knew it would be controversial and that she wanted to talk to Campus Press Editor in Chief Cassie Hewlings before running it.

Pehrson said that at the time, there were no formal standards in place regarding opinions, but that she is working on standards for future pieces. She also said that she and Hewlings had talked about making the opinions that ran more provocative.

“We had a vision that a college newspaper should be edgy, controversial, and something that critiques the school, not just talks about campus events,” Pehrson said.