I am writing in response to Dan Hirschhorn's article, "Two Swimmers Suspended
From Nationals," published in this week's Justice. Unfortunately, it seems that
Hirschhorn has abandoned the journalistic ideals of objectivity and truth, opting
instead for a gossipy article based on a loose narrative. Though
I am not a student of journalism, it seems reasonable to me that a campus
newspaper has an obligation to respect the personal integrity and privacy of
every student which the newspaper serves. Hirschhorn fails glaringly on several
counts.First, he relies only on a single source of information, swimmer Matt Christian.
While Chris Pai and Coach Zotz are given quotations, they are reaction to the
story, rather than an account of it. In fact, the article states that Coach Zotz and
team captains refused to comment on the alleged events. The article further
states that there has been past conflict between the accused, Pai and Leon
Rosefigura; and the source, Christian. In this light, a responsible reporter would
try to ascertain both sides of a story rather than allow one party to
assassinate the characters of the other. And this article is nothing less, and
nothing more, than character assassination.

On account of his lack of comprehensive research, Hirschhorn allows his
subjects to be falsely villified. Christian is quoted as calling Pai and Rosefigura
"infectious disease,"
citing incidents of illicit drinking and physical confrontation. The Justice
apparently did not fact-check these allegations. Why is The Justice letting itself
be used at the personal whim of a disgruntled athlete? If the
team's own coach and captains refuse comment, why is the word of a swim
team member, an equal to those he slanders, accepted as gospel? Pai and
Rosefigura likely face a lengthy process of restoring their reputations. In the
interest of the student body and journalistic integrity, I request that The Justice
refrain from further speculative accounts of student misdoings and focus
instead on actual stories-- which should include a spectrum of testimonials, as
well as objective facts. Then the paper will continue to serve the interests of all
students, rather than providing a public forum for personal vendettas.