Letter to the Editor Policy

The Current welcomes letters from members of the community. Our goal is to provide a space for thoughtful, respectful discussion on issues that directly impact Geneseo and the surrounding area.

All submissions must meet the following requirements:

Content & Scope

• Letters must address issues of local significance.

• Submissions must have a clear and direct connection to Geneseo or the surrounding community.

• To be considered, a letter must clearly demonstrate at least one of the following:

  • A direct impact on Geneseo residents

  • A connection to a local decision, policy, or issue

  • Involvement of a local official, organization, or institution

• Letters focused on national political topics or broader ideological commentary without a direct local connection will not be published.

Tone & Conduct

• Personal attacks will not be published.

• Individuals may be named; however, all commentary must be limited to their public roles, actions, or decisions.

• Commentary about private individuals or private matters will not be accepted.

• Criticism must be directed at policies, actions, or decisions, not individuals personally.

• Submissions must be respectful and constructive.

Accuracy & Responsibility

• Authors are responsible for the accuracy of their statements.

• Letters must not include false statements presented as fact.

• Letters containing unverified allegations of wrongdoing, illegal activity, or misconduct against any individual or business will not be published.

• The Current may request clarification or supporting information for factual claims.

• Submissions may be edited for clarity and style while preserving the author’s intent.

Advertising & Promotion

• Letters to the Editor may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes by for-profit businesses or individuals acting on their behalf.

• For the purposes of this policy, advertising or promotion includes, but is not limited to:

  • Promoting a business, service, or product

  • Encouraging readers to purchase, visit, or engage in commercial activity

  • Highlighting pricing, discounts, offers, or sales

  • Repeatedly referencing a specific business in a promotional manner

• Nonprofit organizations may submit letters that include limited, mission-related calls to action, such as:

  • Requests for donations

  • Invitations to attend community events

  • Volunteer opportunities

• Submissions that function primarily as marketing or promotion—regardless of organization type—will not be published.

Submission Requirements

• All letters must include the author’s full name.

• Anonymous submissions will not be considered.

• Contact information must be provided for verification purposes.

• Contact information will not be published unless specifically requested by the author.

• The Current reserves the right to verify the identity of all contributors prior to publication.

Editorial Discretion

• Publication is not guaranteed.

• The Current reserves the right to decline any submission for any reason, including but not limited to:

  • Failure to meet these guidelines

  • Lack of a clear local connection

  • Unverified or potentially defamatory claims

  • Promotional or advertising content

  • Repetitive content or lack of new perspective

Frequency

• The Current may limit the frequency of publication from a single author to ensure a diversity of voices.

The Current is committed to maintaining a space for relevant, respectful, and community-focused dialogue.