Quote:
Originally posted by PM_Mama00
The VP of Student Affairs had nothing but nice things to say about the student AND the fraternity. How often do we see this?
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More often than you think if the fraternity has a good program in place for a chapters dealing with media.
That was probably the case in this instance. The tip off is the line in the article about the person who answered the door at the house respectfully deferring comments to the University. I would rather see them sending the reporters to their national organization or a division or chapter alumni advisor, but the University is the next best thing. I think it also shows that the chapter is cooperating with the university and being as helpful as possible.
The thing that can't happen is for undergraduates to become "spokespersons" for the chapter -- which happens when they talk to the media, whether they intend to or not. It is very important to, first, not pass along sensitive or bad (meaning incorrect info or rumors) information. Second, it is as important to not set up an adversary relationship with the media. That just makes them suspect foul play and makes them want to dig deeper.
Our death at the Ohio State chapter was handled very well in those regards, and most of the media coverage I saw put the chapter and Fraternity in as good of a position as possible. We (Delt) have a plan for dealing with the media in this kind of case which I helped with. I suspect most GLO's do as well. If they don't they certainly should.
Reporters are, by and large, just like anyone else. When treated respectfully, they will return the respect. That doesn't mean they won't report the facts -- good or bad.
A quick thought about Ecstasy. A few years ago, when one of our daughters had some substance abuse problems, it was one of the really big designer drugs of choice. I suspect it still is.