To the Editor: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 whom the newspaper serves.

In 'Two swimmers suspended from nationals (March 22) it seems the Justice relied on swimmer Matt Christian '05 as the only source of information. Aside from Christian's testimony, the article contains no objectively verifiable facts.

Despite this lack of proof, the Justice saw fit to prioritize this sports-related article as front-page news. In contrast, the more noteworthy event of Christian's own swimming success was relegated, appropriately, to the sports page.

While Chris Pai '07 and Coach James Zotz were quoted, their quotes were reactions to the story, rather than accounts of it. In fact, the article states that the team captains refused to comment on the alleged events.

The article also states that Christian has had past conflicts with the accused, Pai and Leon Rosefigura '07. Knowing this, a responsible reporter would try to ascertain both sides of the story, rather than allow one party to assassinate the character of the other.

The Justice allowed its subjects in this article to be falsely vilified. Christian was quoted as calling Pai and Rosefigura an "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.

-David Culberg '05