Founded on April 13, 2021, Thomas Jefferson’s birthday, the Jefferson Independent is the only student-run independent news publication at the University of Virginia. Committed to preserving the University’s rich heritage, TJI’s purpose is to protect and encourage free speech on UVA Grounds, to “follow truth wherever it may lead,” and to strive for a virtuous, reasoned, and objective future for all students.
“Where the press is free…all is safe” – Thomas Jefferson
Our Mission:
- To hold the University of Virginia accountable to its mission “in which the ideals of freedom of inquiry, thought, and expression are respected and sustained,” and Jefferson’s aim to found an institution “based on the illimitable freedom of the human mind”
- To provide a platform that advances viewpoint diversity through journalistic excellence and hard-hitting opinion pieces
- To uphold our nation’s Constitutional values, combat censorship, and challenge predominant ‘truths’ and viewpoints
Editorial Board:
Editor-in-Chief | Gianna Hunsche (’28)
Managing Editor | Molly Kay Schnellenberger (’28)
Editorial Director | Luke Crafton (’28)
Chief Financial Officer | Andrew Palakonda (’28)
Chief Operations Officer | Neil Garag (’29)
Director of External Affairs | Nafeesa Naz (’29)
Founding Members:
Victoria Spiotto (’21),
Karoline Thurman (’23),
Will Mallas (’22),
Glenn Bohlman (’24),
Aidan Thies (’22),
Aly Buckner (’23),
Isabella Wuco (’23)
Although this organization has members who are University of Virginia students and may have University employees associated or engaged in its activities and affairs, the organization is not a part of or an agency of the University. It is a separate and independent organization, which is responsible for and manages its own activities and affairs. The University does not direct, supervise or control the organization and is not responsible for the organization’s contracts, acts or omissions.