A front page, above the fold article, is headed “Teacher accused of indecent assault, School District of Lancaster gives statement” is accompanied by aphoto of the accused female.
WATCHDOG: We know from press experiences that accusations by youngsters may not be correct. Moreover, we have a criminal justice system that is based on the assumption of innocence until proven guilty. Lastly, there are a lot more important things going on in the world than a teacher fondling a boy, although we consider it a serious matter requiring investigation and likely psychological counseling.
To the extent this article is news worthy, it might have appeared in the local section and contained a hundred words. To put an accused’s picture on a front page based on an assertion by a youngser is to damage the person for life even if the charges turn out not to be accurate. A less sensational and more responsible approach also protects the accuser.
It is time enough to run photographs when someone is found guilty of such an violation. It doesn’t sell as many newspapers, but it is the decent thing to do.
Wait a minute – Is your outrage because she is a woman?
Don’t they put pictures of all the men who are accused in the news befor ethey are convicted?
So whats the Dif?
EDITOR: Touche’! There is no difference.