CSU Death...An Important Lesson

[DeltAlum]

After so many comments about alcohol abuse, drugs and hazing, the following is an important lesson for all of us to remember.

It is another reason each chapter should stay in contact with local media and have spokespeople they can talk to.

While this situation is not necessarilly the rule, neither is it the exception.

And for the aspiring Journalism majors who may read this, remember it and keep in mind how stupid you will look if you jump to conclusions. Your job is to report facts, not speculation -- unless it is labeled as such.

Rocky Mountain Collegian
Colorado State University
October 16, 2001

EDITORIAL

Media speculation adds hype without evidence

Colorado State University lost a member of its family on a weekend dedicated to just that. Robert Harley Lane, a 20-year-old junior anthropology major, was found dead Saturday in his room at the Sigma Chi fraternity house.

As CSU's student-run newspaper, we feel the deepest sympathy for not only the loss of Lane's life and for his friends and loved ones coping with his death, but for the loss of any fellow Ram. And this is where an issue has arisen. Numerous students at CSU have passed away since the start of the fall semester for various reasons, but none have received the amount of statewide media attention as Lane.

This is an unsettling fact for a few of reasons. Although Sigma Chi
is a nationally-recognized organization and Lane was vice president of the Fort Collins chapter, these are probably not the only causes for the publicity. Only one reason comes to our minds as to why this has become such a big issue - the negative stereotypes placed on fraternities. For some time there has been an image surrounding fraternities - both nationally and here at CSU - concerning the abuse of alcohol among members and their associates.

Even the Collegian referred to Sigma Chi fraternity as a "frat" in
Monday's headline, a term many in the greek community find offensive and feel perpetuates the stereotype even more - even though that was not our intention.

Various Denver media and the Associated Press have chosen to report on Lane's death, highlighting the fact that he was a fraternity member while at the same time reporting the county coroner thinks Lane died of natural causes. They also reported Lane was last seen going out drinking with a friend on Thursday night, and the fact that he suffered from epileptic seizures "may have also" been a factor in his death.

The official cause of Lane's death won't be known until the coroner releases toxicology results sometime in the next week, which is why the we feel it is irresponsible to hype the story as a greek member possibly binge drinking himself death. Although there is still a possibility alcohol could be responsible for Lane's death, as of now, there is no real evidence to support the claim. The only known fact is that he went out for drinks with a friend on Thursday night, like thousands of other CSU students.

We feel the intense coverage by the media of this event has only
worked to further embellish the negative stereotypes surrounding fraternities. Much of the coverage, although quoting Lane's friends and mentioning some of the man's qualities, failed to focus on the loss of a young and promising life; instead it hinted at a possible controversy.

If there is an issue of controversy to report about, CSU students can be ensured they will read about it. But without any tangible
evidence, we feel it would be more appropriate to tell CSU the story of the fellow student who passed away recently, like we would for any fellow Ram.

If alcohol was a factor the media should report it, but they should
not unfairly insinuate unsubstantiated facts.

(C) 2001 Rocky Mountain Collegian