An open letter to the Palo Alto community from The Campanile

From the desk of the Editors-in-Chief of The Palo Alto High School Campanile:

In the wake of the tragic events that our community has experienced, the staff of The Campanile has chosen to refrain from publishing any editorial comment regarding the topic of suicide. The Campanile understands that the issue of suicide in our community cannot easily be condensed into the length of one column or page, and we have chosen to avoid comment on the topic, which could potentially provoke emotional responses rather than promote mental recovery and healthy dialogue. We understand the obligations of The Campanile as a member of the Palo Alto High School journalistic body; however, we believe that the best course of action in the months to come is to prevent harmful speculation and to allow time for grief and recovery.
The Campanile believes that the decisions to be made affecting our community and reducing suicides are best left to experts in the subject. The staff of The Campanile does not know what causes suicides or the science behind it. Given that, we do not wish to offer any remedies, merely our condolences. We sympathize with the families and friends of the victims, and hope for the best for the Henry M. Gunn High School and Palo Alto community.

Signed,
The Campanile’s Editors-in-Chief