Integrity, as defined by the Cambridge dictionary, is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles that you refuse to change.  As it happens, integrity is also one of the core values of West Texas A&M University.  If one were to view the WTAMU website and search for ‘core values’, what would be found would be a list of principles that the University says are held so dear that they will not be compromised “even to overcome obstacles or achieve short-term gain.”  With such bold language, one would think that when integrity is compromised the pillars that are the Core Values of West Texas A&M University have little to no meaning from that point on.

Integrity is not something we are born with; it is something we are taught. It’s doing the right thing even when no one is looking.  It’s choosing the hard right over the easy wrong.  It is remembering back to when we were children and recalling when mom and dad said, “Don’t cheat!  Don’t steal!”  Integrity is something that is lacking lately.  It’s time to bring it back.  It’s time to stand up for what’s right even though being honest isn’t always the most popular decision.

We here at The Prairie News organization are dedicated to truth and honesty.  We are dedicated to reporting legitimate news.  We take the core values of West Texas A&M University very seriously, both as students and as journalists.  Reporting the news will not always be easy, but it will be factual.  It will be honest.  And it will be done with integrity.