'A big learning experience': PSU student journalists provide protest coverage despite no newsroom access
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- As the major news media covered the protests at Portland State University, reporters with the PSU Vanguard helped cover the story that made headlines around the country.
The student journalists at the Vanguard had a major story on their hands but limited resources and no access to their newsroom. They spent the entire occupation on the ground, documenting the events on their website and social media.
Now, said PSU Vanguard editor Zoë Buhrmaster, they're moving forward with a new set of skills.
"How to cover a protest, what to do in those scenarios, from my experience as an editor how to manage a team of students that want to cover a protest and what that looks like," she said, "it was a big learning experience."
After pro-Palestine protesters took over the Portland State University library for multiple days last week, KOIN 6 News learned that less than 20% of people who were arrested were PSU students
Just six of the 31 people who were arrested were students at the college. PSU said two other individuals were taking classes earlier in the year but weren’t enrolled for the spring term.
Charges for four people have been dropped. Two were homeless and the other two voluntarily exited the building after the police made the arrest announcement.