On Mar. 3, 2020, the Campanil published an editorial of an alumni student titled “Sexual harassment in English Department” that discussed details of a Title IX case with a current professor at Mills College. This editorial did not meet the Campanil’s editorial standards and has been retracted. Prior to publishing the writer’s story, our editors did not reach out to other parties mentioned for a response, therefore not following journalistic practice and basic fairness. The editorial made allegations against a professor in the English department, including the professor’s name and the name of another faculty member. The Campanil failed to verify claims made towards the English Department. This editorial was published against the advice of our faculty advisor and was not clearly stated as an “opinions” piece as it began on the front page of our issue. All articles making statements as fact in the Campanil should be vetted properly, including the Opinions section, and that process was not done with this article. If prior steps were made before publishing, the Campanil would have been aware of the restrictions of the Title IX case preventing those involved from verifying any information.
The Campanil regrets the major errors made in our reporting, editing and judgment through this process. We will work to recommit ourselves to the ethical standards we strive for as a news outlet and the framework of the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics that states to, “Seek Truth and Report It, Minimize Harm, Act Independently and Be Accountable and Transparent.” We apologize for our ethical errors, poor judgment, and harm caused.
In regard to claims of sexual harassment and assault, the Campanil believes people’s stories and we value and support those who come forward to hold wrongdoers accountable. Our goal is to stand behind these voices and defend all who have been harmed by the actions of others.
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