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Editorial Keeping it real |
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Since the last issue of the Carillon hit the stands over a month ago, there has been a lot of discussion surrounding the editorial entitled “Creeping it real.” The focal point of this discussion has been, for the most part, whether or not the article promotes sexual harassment. I have had thoughtful discussions with people on both sides of the fence, and both have presented reasonable arguments. The Carillon has a responsibility to you, our readers. We exist to inform, encourage free thought and discussion, and represent the vast cultural diversity of this campus to the best of our ability. While the offensive nature of the article may vary from person to person, the fact remains that a significant portion of our readership felt not only offended, but threatened. Because of this response, it is obvious to me that we failed in our responsibility. While the article has obviously created discussion, it has also sparked controversy and outrage. But perhaps the worst offense this article commits is its fragmentation of our readership. While we encourage people to think critically through the commentaries we publish, this particular instance has caused students to become wary of our journalistic intentions – namely the desire to seek out and defend the truth. How can we function as a responsible media outlet if we are perceived as hateful, bigoted or negligent? The answer, obviously, is that we cannot. In order to rid ourselves of this dangerous stigma, the Carillon’s board of directors and I are taking the following steps to ensure that, above all else, students on this campus can trust us. First and foremost is an apology to those whom we offended. While freedom of expression allows us to publish a surprisingly large amount of content, it does so with the added responsibility of promoting a more open, responsible atmosphere on campus. We failed in this respect, and for that I am truly sorry. Also within this issue of the Carillon is an apology from Jordan Reid, the author of “Creeping it real.” Secondly is our recognition that, regardless of intent, the fact that such a significant number of our readership found the article to be of such an offensive nature demands an appropriate response. As such, we are issuing a formal retraction of the article. It has already been removed from the Carillon’s website and aside from existing within the Carillon’s archives, “Creeping it real” is no longer available for reading purposes. Thirdly, the Carillon’s board of directors has decided that each Carillon staff member will undergo training at the beginning of every school year. This training, which will include sensitivity seminars, will allow the staff of this newspaper to better understand and represent the diverse student body to which we are responsible. The fourth step is one that has been practiced routinely since the Carillon was founded: a plea for participation from you, the students. This publication is only as good as its contributors and staff. If you have a vested interest in seeing the Carillon prosper, I urge you to come out to story meetings, run for staff positions or even a seat on our board of directors. Get involved. While we certainly strive to represent the 12,000 students on this campus to the best of our ability, there is only so much we can do without your participation. I hope this appeal for forgiveness has come across as sincere, as anything less than that would be unacceptable. We may not be able to change what has already happened, but I assure you that this incident has galvanized the Carillon and its staff to better serve our membership. I look forward to proving this to you in the year ahead. Steven Kiser Summer Editor-in-Chief |