Jason Williamson '98, president of the Black Students Association (BSA), echoed Chen's sentiments that The Crimson should improve its staff diversity.

"I'd like for there to be an African-American president of The Crimson," Williamson says. "I'd like there to be more African-American people who actually have a voice in the decisions the papers makes."

According to several former editorial chairs, the BSA has often been among the most frequent critics of Crimson reporting.

"Coverage either was non-existent or was unfriendly or written with uniformed opinions," says Jason B. Phillips '99, publicity chair of the BSA. He adds that diversity on The Crimson is important because of its ability to influence campus attitudes.

"[Because it is] the only newspaper on campus, we really can't reach the campus the way we want to without Crimson coverage," says Phillips, who is a Crimson editor. "Coverage of an issue that is important to us shows that it is not just something the BSA is concerned with."

Phillips and other heads of minority student organizations, say Crimson coverage has not always been sensitive to issues of diversity.

"My main criticism with The Crimson has been [its] past insensitivity towards some events and issues," says Sergio J. Campos '00, president of Raza, a Mexican-American and Latino student organization.

However, Campos and Phillips say they believe The Crimson has become more sensitive and attentive towards coverage of minority groups over the past year.

Many student leaders say they wish they had more input into how The Crimson could cover their organizations' activities.

Williamson encouraged The Crimson to aim for accuracy and diversity of opinions in stories.

"It's important for the paper to stay on top of the real issues and to be accurate," says Williamson, "and to get as many sides of the story to make sure things aren't lopsided, as they have been in the past."

Others expressed surprise at the intensity of The Crimson's coverage.

"I am surprised at how much coverage [the Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, Transgender and Supporters Association (BGLTSA)] gets," says David A. Campbell '00, co-chair of the BGLTSA.

However, Campbell says he would like to see more in-depth coverage of BGLTSA issues and not just events they sponsor.

Most student leaders interviewed welcomed the opportunity to critique the paper that determines their campus image.

"I therefore issue my criticism as a challenge," Campos says, "to continue to report with understanding and depth so that the issues that affect us receive the respect that they deserve."