The Stanford Review is a publication that strives to promote independent, investigative analysis of campus, national, and world news and to offer a conservative voice for the Stanford campus. The confluence of these sometimes divergent objectives lends credence to the claim that the ethos of the Review is contrarian.

We present alternative, critical views that often run contrary to the mainstream media, and we present a diversity of opinions that run contrary to the cherished liberal orthodoxy permeating Stanford. Our goals are always to promote dialogue on a wide variety of issues, to reveal the unvarnished truths of campus, and to enlighten readers – hence our Latin motto: “Fiat Lux,” which means “Let there be light.”

If we settled merely for dogmatic contrarianism, we could easily be mistaken for obstinate reactionaries, but the Review is actually a haven for radical, idea-oriented individuals who want to think outside the bubble. The basis of the Review’s contrarianism lies in conservative virtues (which, needless to say, are often contrary to liberalism) – liberty, order, equality under the law, skepticism, pragmatism, respect for the dignity of human life, tolerance of a diversity of ideas, and relentless pursuit of truth.

The spirit of the Review manifests itself in heated editorial discussions at our weekly staff meetings, in provocative and educational exchanges with Hoover Fellows at our weekly “Pizza and Politics” lunches, in the enthusiastic dissemination of the Review print edition in White Plaza (the free speech zone on campus), in the artistic creation of the publication during the layout sessions, and in the writing and editing of passionate but logical opinions and thoughtful and incisive investigative reports.

People often wonder, “What does The Stanford Review actually Review?” This inquiry is valid, and the answer is revealing. The Review employs its journalistic microscope in four key areas, which correspond with the four sections of the newspaper – news, opinions, features, and foreign affairs.

In news, we review campus events (e.g. David Horowitz speaking on leftist bias in academia), student movements (e.g. Stanford Coalition for Investment Disclosure), administration indiscretions (e.g. banning door-to-door distribution of student publications), and student life (e.g. student views on ethnic theme dorms).

In opinions, we review campus debates and national politics involving issues such as political correctness, funding of student groups, Stanford’s approach to teaching humanities, racial profiling, affirmative action, illegal immigration, war in Iraq, the intelligent design theory, and health care policy.

In features, we review books, movies, films, courses, and professors. The common thread running through the features section is reviewing the sources of knowledge and culture dissemination in society.

In foreign affairs, we review news around the world that is often sparsely covered in the mainstream media.

The spirit of the Review flourishes in each of these sections because of the critical and thoughtful analysis in which our staff writers and editors engage.

Farewell

It is hard for me to believe that this issue is the last issue we will publish during my tenure as Editor-in-Chief of The Stanford Review. This volume has been a whirlwind of exhilaration and a valuable learning experience for me. I am pleased to leave the organization in the hands of an enthusiastic and talented friend and colleague, Alex Medearis, who will be the next Editor-in-Chief of the Review.

As I complete my third year of study at Stanford University, I can honestly say that my experiences both as Business Manager and Editor-in-Chief of The Stanford Review have been the most rewarding experiences of my undergraduate career. The staff of the Review includes some of the sharpest minds on campus, and being a part of the journalistic development of our writers and editors has been quite enjoyable for me.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our donors, subscribers, and alumni whose readership and generosity allow us to continue publishing The Stanford Review. I hope you enjoy the personal testimonies of our staff, which constitute the greater part of this grand finale issue. Sto Pro Veritate – (from the Guthrie coat of arms).

Respectfully,

Benjamin Guthrie