9 Comments

My late husband was on his college newspaper staff and ran amuck of the administration resulting in his resignation under pressure.

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Another excellent column, Dave. As a graduate of Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism, I've read about recent events with great interest. I'm sad my alma mater has been thrust into the national spotlight in such a negative way. But I'm very proud of the student journalists who shed the light on a dangerous and unacceptable practice.

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Amy, I’m married to an NU undergrad, although not journalism. This story has been a shock to her because Northwestern grads take a lot of pride in the academic standards, even for athletes. Football is a violent sport, though, and it attracts people with a propensity for violence. This is an ugly situation. But you’re right to be proud of the student journalists and the profs who backed this explosive story.

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Wanted to mention that Theo Baker's mother is Susan Glasser (currently of the New Yorker, formerly of the Washington Post).

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Thanks, Laura. I hadn’t seen that. No pressure, Theo!

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Excellent piece, Dave. I was particularly struck by this line: "These days, the desire to control the message seems stronger than ever." HOWDY HOWDY! Boy, is that ever true.

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How the Constitution and that responsibility can be so misplaced in a college setting is just wrong! Somewhere journalism should be taught in a way that goes unhampered by intimidation and threats, although in life, one must contend with these sorts of things as a reality in a capitalist country where "money talks" and there in lies the rub!

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Timely journism. Thanks .

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