UofL students launch online political review

With politics in the United States seemingly more divided than ever, a group of University of Louisville undergraduate students is focused on closing what it calls “the perception gap” through a nonpartisan online magazine.

The Louisville Political Review (LPR) is modeled after the Harvard Political Review, written and published by Harvard undergraduates since 1969.

LPR’s editorial board is made up of UofL undergraduates: junior Julia Mattingly, editor-in-chief; sophomore Nino Owens, managing editor; and associate editors sophomore Alex Reynolds and sophomore Emma Fridy. Mattingly majors in rural health and economics; the other three either major or double-major in political science.

There are also eight staff writers – all undergraduates.

At just 1 year old, LPR is an infant compared to its well-established cousin. But LPR is already tackling the big issues: gun buyback programs; climate change and Appalachia; the minimum wage; hunger; the coronavirus vaccine and white privilege; infrastructure.

“We are not necessarily seeking to change anyone’s mind about a particular issue, but open it to perspectives different from their own,” the magazine’s editors say on its website.

The website, thought to be the first of its kind for UofL, also provides a valuable experiential learning tool for the students, said Laura Moyer, associate professor in the political science department, who is the students’ academic advisor.

"We are lucky to have a student body at UofL that is very engaged with their community and that has a lot of ideas about addressing the major policy issues of the day,” Moyer said. “The Louisville Political Review takes advantage of this talent and helps students find their voice. This experience lays the foundation for careers in public service, public policy and community engagement – even running for office."

LPR is looking for additional staff writers and open for individual submissions from graduate students, professors and the general public. Visit loupolitical.org.