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It was a stunning display of collective action on social media, especially considering the Times’ stringent social media policy. A 2017 version of their policy explicitly mandates journalists “must not express partisan opinions, promote political views, endorse candidates, make offensive comments, or do anything else that undercuts The Times’s journalistic reputation.”

The Newsguild of New York, a union representing the Times, followed up with a searing statement highlighting the op-ed as a labor and workplace safety issue that has specific detrimental effects on the paper’s black employees.

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“Cotton calls to mobilize the military to ‘detain’ and ‘subdue’ Americans protesting racism and police brutality. His message undermines the journalistic work of our members, puts our Black staff members in danger, promotes hate, and is likely to encourage further violence,” the statement reads.

The Guild further points out that the inflammatory op-ed compromises journalists’ ability to cover the protests, since it could inspire further use of force at the demonstrations.

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“This is a particularly vulnerable moment in American history. Cotton’s Op-Ed pours gasoline on the fire,” it continues. “Media organizations have a responsibility to hold power to account, not amplify voices of power without context and caution.”