Dear Editor,
If news reporters have learned but one thing over the past few years, it is that it holds enormous power over its readers. And when something is reported, whether true or not, it is usually taken at the word of the writer. This makes fairness and bias the determining factor in how a story is perceived.
I hope the Herald understands how unfair and biased the report of "Alleged Rape at UW Frat" has been. While we must acknowledge the need for the pursuit of the truth in issues that matter, your coverage of the story was tactless and unprofessional for such a reputable publication. Rather than attempt to contact or speak with anyone within the realm of the case, you relied on comments given by people who had previously never known anything of the matter. In a case with an allegation such as this, it is imperative that it be thoroughly investigated and given time for facts to be collected before publishing given the repercussions involved. Instead the article harps on points made about removing the organization from campus, administrative action, and prosecuting the persons who committed a crime that does not yet exist. That is not to say that there is no need to quickly give this issue fair attention, but rather fair reporting. Instead you have smeared an otherwise quiet and unassuming organization, and embarrassed a group of students irreparably. While the victim's pain is tragic, your story completely ignores all evidence and common sense in the case, and brings incredible detriment to those accused.
I have been an avid reader of the Herald for four years now, and I have never come across anything like this in your publication. I don't believe you understand the gravity of this story or how it effects those involved. And that should be one of the first things that crosses your writers and editors' minds, not just how much attention it will garner. The need for haste in your stories and the number of readers of your paper should never compromise the integrity of fair journalism. In this case, you have cause unwarranted harm with reckless reporting within an otherwise well written and thoughtful news source. What began as a victim who felt mistreated by the police has now been distorted and blown up into a spectacle that has caused even more grief and pain because of how it was handled by the press. From the Duke lacrosse scandal to weapons of mass destruction, the media continually reports on things without a clear view of the circumstances.
It is my hope that the Herald never falls into this category again, and that it remedies its mistake fairly and appropriately. But, like most stories of this kind, when the issue is resolved and there isn't a guilty verdict or someone isn't arrested, the story won't be deemed newsworthy. And in the end, a new group of victims will be created.
Daniel Kitzis ([email protected])
