Page’s effect unfortunate
An article printed on the University Journal’s
back page on Sept. 5, which was headlined “Playing
hard to get” and was accompanied by a photo illustration,
evoked controversy and elicited outrage from some members
of the SUU and Cedar City community.
The article’s purpose was not to affront, but to
educate and inform; the photo illustration was intended
to enhance the contents of the article and draw the reader
into a topic we know is important.
The reporter who wrote the article accomplished her goal;
she wrote a balanced, factual article – albeit on
a controversial subject. We stand by her professional,
journalistic work.
However, in retrospect, we realize the photo illustration
was distasteful to some readers to the extent that it
distracted many from even looking at the article –
a result that was counter-productive and most certainly
not desirable.
We at the Journal apologize to our readers who were offended
and regret our own lack of insight regarding our readers’
reactions to the story and illustration.
The sensitive subject matter of the article, paired with
the startling image and evocative headline, was a step
too far for many members of our audience. Consequently,
we now recognize it was not the best way to present the
important information it was supposed to convey.
The Journal’s foremost purpose is to serve its readers.
To do that it must monitor and reflect the pulse of Southern
Utah University and act as a watchdog for the university
community. Its purpose is not to shock its readers or
inspire contention.
The photo illustration’s content – a condom-sheathed
banana – was not designed for shock value but as
an example of a device used in many high school sexual
education classes today to demonstrate how a condom is
applied.
The image seemed appropriate when it went to the press
but inappropriate when it offended some Journal readers.
We have learned a valuable lesson and promise our readers
that we will exercise more discussion and discretion when
we present sensitive topics in the future.
The Journal adheres to the four ethical tenets promoted
by the national organization, the Society of Professional
Journalists. We:
- -seek truth and report it;
- -minimize harm;
- -act independently;
- -and are accountable.
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When a Journal reporter acts independently and seeks and
reports the truth, he or she is honest in gathering information,
balanced in reporting it and is unafraid to seek and face
the truth.
With that in mind, the fact that the university’s
Wellness Center makes prophylactics available to students,
some of whom might otherwise engage in unprotected sexual
relationships despite known alternatives such as abstinence,
is an important and serious story that needed to be told.
However, when Journal members seek to minimize harm and
be accountable, they clarify and explain news coverage while
inviting open dialogue and are sensitive to the needs and
the social mores of the community.
In our discussions of the ramifications of the story package,
we have concluded that we misjudged the effect the illustration
and headline would have on segments of our audience and
so failed to exercise sufficient sensitivity to our broad
community readership. Our goal to inform was hobbled by
that failure.
So, in our efforts to be accountable, we acknowledge that
mistake and sincerely apologize to all we offended.
The opinion expressed above is the collective opinion of
the editors of the University Journal.
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