First The Daily Collegian, and now Onward State. Really, Penn State?

Less than a week after it was made public that Penn State proposed an over 50% budget decrease for The Daily Collegian, we’ve been informed that the university plans to get rid of Onward State’s budget entirely. While The Collegian would still get $200,000 in 2024 under the proposed decrease, we here at Onward State will get absolutely nothing in a heartbreaking turn of events.

In an email sent to Onward State, President Neeli Bendapudi outlined her reasoning for the drastic change.

“I’m sick and tired of all the jokes you snarky bloggers keep making about me,” Bendapudi wrote. “How dare you criticize me for allowing the Proud Boys to come to campus? And the ‘Bend-a-Booty‘ pick up line? Forget it. I’m done.”

Onward State is in the process of appealing the proposed funding cut, which would take effect beginning in 2024. The previous funding from the university allowed students, alums, and community members alike to gain free access to the news published on our completely student-run, independent site. Penn State’s decision to all of a sudden take away our funding may result in drastic measures, such as a paywall, sadly.

The significant cut lowers Onward State’s budget to $0 from the $0 the university already gives us. This is truly a threat to student journalism.

Regardless, we want to thank our loyal readers for following along since our founding in 2008. We don’t know what’s next, but we’re forever grateful for each and every one of you.

Penn State spokesperson Lisa Powers didn’t respond to a request for comment.

Editor’s note: This story is part of Onward State’s April Fools’ Day series. It is satirical, meant for entertainment, and not to be taken literally. Any quotes were made up for the purpose of this post.