One of life’s most agonizing decisions is wondering when to give up something you once loved.
I spent 11 years as an editor and writer at the Washington Post. I cared deeply about journalism — about the responsible use of the power of the pen and the Washington Post’s ability to challenge power, fight injustice and, often, help find joy and light in what seemed like a darkening world. I’ve worked with some of the best, brightest and bravest in the industry. Many readers will remember my work as an editor with Jamal Khashoggi, the Saudi journalist and Washington Post Global Opinions columnist who was brutally murdered in 2018 by agents of the Saudi regime.
In 2021, I transitioned from editing to a columnist writing about race, gender, culture and human rights around the world.
I loved my job.
In the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s murder, I did my job as an opinion editor; I have commented on the problem of gun violence in the United States, particularly its propensity to grant pardon and absolution to white men who espouse hatred and violence.
For this, the Washington Post wrongfully terminated me by email the next day, without any conversation. The Post accused me of gross misconduct and called me a threat to my colleagues.
Why the Washington Post fired me
Since I made my firing public in the Washington Post on Monday, there has been a lot of misinformation about the reasons given for my firing. One story that has spread is that I was fired for mentioning Charlie Kirk’s views on black women.
With support from the Washington-Baltimore News Guild, Norman Eisenand the Democracy Defenders Fund, I spent a year fighting my dismissal. In August, an independent arbitrator ruled that The Washington Post had no valid reason to fire me. I received reinstatement and a full refund of my salary.
My victory in arbitration was a monumental victory for unions, for journalists and for freedom of expression. As the last full-time black columnist in the Opinions section, I recognized the importance of this victory for black journalists, especially those forced out of newsrooms in recent years.
While I remain proud of this victory, I painfully realized that returning to The Washington Post meant returning without the guaranteed freedom and institutional support to do what I loved: using my voice, seeking the truth and serving readers.
I decided not to return to what the Washington Post has become. I have accepted a deal with the Post Office and will move on with my life and career.
As gruesome as this battle was, it was worth fighting. I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported me throughout this fight and helped me celebrate victory. I am also indebted to the readers who continued to believe in my work and who still believe in the power of journalism.
Thanks everyone for being in my corner.
Always forward, never backward.
-Karen
Gn world
