From: Nigel.Allen@bbs.oit.unc.edu (Nigel Allen)
Subject: student newspaper policy on identifying rape victims
Organization: NDA
Date: Sun, 11 Oct 1992 04:43:04 GMT

The following anonymous post appeared in soc.feminism.

 > Subject: Anonymous Posting
 > Date: 5 Oct 92 22:32:43 GMT

On September 22, 1992, the student newspaper (The Parthenon) of
Marshall University reported that a woman had filed a sexual
assault case against one of the university students.

Whereas this newspaper had previously maintained a policy of not
publishing sexual abuse/assault victims names, the editorial board
met and decided to reverse that decision in the publication of this
story.

The woman's name, age and address were published. In addition, the
editorial board saw fit to report that the couple had engaged in
consensual intercourse earlier in the evening, but that the victim
maintained the accused became physically violent and forced her to
engage in oral sex when she attempted to leave.

This story was accompanied by an editorial entitled "Why Our Story
Named Names" explaining the reasons these details were published.
Following are excerpts from that editorial.

---
"It wasn't an easy decision.  Things like this never are.  Deciding
whether to name the victim of an alleged sexual assault is
something most journalists dread.  It's something we debate in mass
media ethics classes and at luncheons and seminars - not in the
conference room of a student newspaper."
....
"The debate was extensive, with both male and female staff members
contributing to the discussion.  But if finally came down to a vote
of the newspaper's seven-member student editorial board."
......
"Throughout the meeting, the reasons for not printing the name kept
surfacing:

"Other victims might be more reluctant to report rapes to the
police.

"Naming the woman might subject her to public ridicule.....

"There is a perceived societal stigma toward victims....

"Were we willing take the heat that surely was to come about as a
result of this?

"But, in the end, the reasons for printing the name were more
compelling:

"The percentage of rape reports already is low:  Less than 1 in 10
victims of sexual assault report the crime.  There is little proof
that printing an alleged victim's name deters others from reporting
the assault.  In some cases the percentages of rapes reported in
towns with newspapers that print the names are higher than in other
regions.

"Names of those filing sexual assault charges are on record at the
county courthouse.....While no one can speak for all victims of
sexual assault, in some cases, victims have said public revelation
is necessary.....

"But while the rights of the victim should be considered, so should
those of the accused.  In a nation where someone is innocent until
proven guilty, the accused often is left open to public ridicule
without being placed on equal terms with the accuser.
.....
....By not naming names, the newspaper gives the impression that
sexual assault is more than a violent crime and that women should
be ashamed.

"In its theoretical role as an instrument of change, the newspaper
must work to disprove these stereotypes and to reveal the victim as
blameless in circumstances over which she has little control.

"Little change can occur if no one is willing to act.
.......
"We are constantly reminded of the power we have on campus and, to
an extent, in the community.

"Realizing this, we have to weigh our responsibilities and our
values, what we have been taught and what we know in our hearts.

"And through all of this, we are reminded of our duty to the
community:  to report the news in a fair and responsible way."
---

I believe that the 7 students of the editorial board making this
decision honestly feel that they acted in a manner which will
(eventually) cause society to change the way it sees rape victims.

I think they failed, however, to adequately assess the emotional
damage of their action.

At no time was the victim or the university notified that the
Parthenon had reversed it's policy regarding the printing of names
of sexual assault victims.  Indeed by all appearances, the policy
was reversed because of this particular incident.

As would be expected, considerable controversy has erupted.  The
faculty senate, the university president, and others on campus have
protested the decision.  The student newspaper has stood firm in
its belief that they acted in the best interest of all concerned
and are within first amendment rights.

The accused in this particular instance has a number of sexual
assault or sexual assault related convictions.  This information
will, however, be suppressed when this case goes to court in order
to insure that he receives a fair trial.  The victim, however, will
be merciless grilled about why she had consensual sex with the
accused and then later hollered rape.  Yet, these students are
concerned with his rights.  They are also attempting to eradicate
the stigma of rape.  Lofty goals, faulty logic, methinks.

I'm asking that you share your views about this situation with the
editorial board of this student newspaper.  I have no e-mail
address, but letters can be addressed to Kevin Melrose, Editor, The
Parthenon, Marshall University, 311 Smith Hall, Huntington, WV
25755.  The newspaper carries the following notice, "The Parthenon
will consider guest columns of 650-800 words.  Please address all
submissions to the attention of the editor."  Additionally, the
following policy is published, "The Parthenon accepts letters to
the editor on subjects of interest to the Marshall community.
Letters should be typed and no longer than 300 words.  Letters must
include the author's name, hometown and class rank or title.  The
editor reserves the right to edit for space and potential libel."


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