Recently, the newspapers of Harvard (The crimson) and Northwestern University (The Daily Northwestern) have been “under fire” for reporting on stories that caused controversy, and dismay among the student population. In Harvard, some of The Crimson’s journalists reached out to ICE, who the student government protested against, for comment. In response, the student government made the Act for a dream (look up) petition against the Crimson.
In Northwestern University, The Daily Northwestern, reported on a event in which Jeff Sessions, who is not supported by those on campus who are liberal-leaning, made a speech. Reporters from the newspaper also uses the student directory to reach out to those who protested at the event. Both publications received heavy back-lash, and eventually apologized.
In my opinion, the outrage among the students is understandable, as they probably felt that the publications were not empathetic enough. However, not all the criticism these publications received was deserved because it is the responsibility of journalists to report all sides of the story. Controversy will always be present and there will always be stories that certain people frown upon. This should not inhibit the press from upholding their responsibilities. Journalism and the press are being more scrutinized as the days pass by, and a lot of it is truly unnecessary.
Inside an Optimist's Mind 