I don’t normally make New Year’s resolutions, but I thought I’d go for a new look this semester. Not for me, though. Yes, I did highlight my hair, but I was actually referring to the opinion page. As you have probably noticed, the opinion page received a well-deserved makeover.

The look may have changed, but the standards remain the same. The first amendment of the Constitution affirms and protects the right of U.S. citizens to express their opinions. In keeping with these values, we here at The Daily Campus are committed to maintaining the opinion page as an open forum, a place where members of the SMU community can voice their views, regardless of how unpopular those views may be.

On a campus of 10,000 students, diverse perspectives are inevitable. We publish four times a week, so you may often find yourself teeming with anger over something you read here. During those peak moments of frustration, remember the words of Evelyn Beatrice Hall: “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” And, don’t forget that you share that same right, which is too often taken for granted. So, unsheathe your laptop and get to work. Grant your fellow mustangs the opportunity to see the issue from another angle.

I would be lying if I said I had never found myself up in arms over something I allowed to be published, but I never lose respect for those who have the courage to write about controversial issues. In fact, it is rare for the editorial staff of this paper reach a unanimous decision over what position to take on issues. Even in such a small group we find it impossible to agree 100 percent of the time.

There are several ways to contribute. You can write an opinion column introducing a new topic or conveying your thoughts on a current one. You can write a letter to the editor, but it should be linked to something that was previously published. You can also respond online, if you wish to remain anonymous.

Because of the amount of content I receive, I cannot guarantee everything will make it to the press. The decision not to publish in these cases is discretionary and based on the elegance of the writing itself, not the content.

That said, there are rare instances in which I will outright eliminate a column from my consideration. Personal attacks and profanity are out of the question. Profanity may be acceptable when you are hanging out with your friends, but when writing a well-reasoned opinion piece, a little more discretion should be exercised.

Libel and written attacks on specific students will not be tolerated. The name-calling got a little out of hand last semester, but it will not continue. The buck stops here. I encourage and facilitate levelheaded debate, but if you are looking for anything more, then you will have to search elsewhere.

I understand that you lead busy lives, so if you want to have your opinions heard but can’t find the time to write and send something in, let me come to you. I am introducing a new section to run every Friday. The Soapbox will feature a question related to an issue in the news or on the opinion page. I will be walking around campus during the week looking for students who are willing to have their responses published along with photos. You will also be able to respond online at www.smudailycampus.com, but keep in mind that profanity and libel will not be tolerated on our Web site, either.

I wish everyone the best of luck this semester and I hope you can find the time to contribute to the paper.