Comments on: JMU charges Breeze reporters

By: JGFitzgerald

JGFitzgerald — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 02:01:12 +0000

The reporter was found “responsible,” presumably the equivalent of “not innocent.” The biggest loss, if it’s fully accurate, is Chapman declining to comment on the details. Silence implies consent.

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By: Josh

Josh — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:13:35 +0000

The latest–

August Free Press: ACLU backs JMU student reporters
http://augustafreepress.com/2009/11/04/aclu-backs-jmu-student-reporters/

ACLU of VA: PR Nov. 4, 2009 ACLU Supports Student Reporters Facing Disciplinary Charges for Interviewing JMU Dormitory Residents
(includes letter to university)
http://www.acluva.org/newsreleases2009/Nov4.html

The Breeze: A November 5 to Remember
http://breezejmu.org/2009/11/05/a-november-5-to-remember/

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By: BANDIT

BANDIT — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:03:56 +0000

Unless there is more to the story… JMU is being ridiculous.

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By: Barkley Rosser

Barkley Rosser — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:20:31 +0000

The DNR calls for “the university” to drop the charges. However, it has been pointed out that once charges have been initiated, only certain parties have the right to drop the charges, which does not include the upper administration, which must keep hands off. As it is, the only people able to drop the charges are those who brought them. I am publicly urging those who did so to drop the charges and save everybody involved any further hassle or embarrassment.

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By: Barkley Rosser

Barkley Rosser — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:06:46 +0000

I should add that the caveats I made about the RA should also apply to the Hall Director. While student gossip says no students complained, I have been informed that there may have been students complaining to the Hall Director about the reporters knocking on their doors. If that is so, then it is a more complicated situation. One obvious solution would have been to have the reporters hang out in the lounge to talk with those who wanted to talk with them. In any case, there should not have been any charges brought. This was very poor judgment.

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By: Josh

Josh — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 17:07:31 +0000

The latest opinion from the DNR sorta makes reference to Hburgnews.com…

DNR: Editorial – JMU In The Wrong (doesn’t require subscription to read)
http://dnronline.com/opinion_details.php?AID=41993&CHID=36&sub=Editorial

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By: Barkley Rosser

Barkley Rosser — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:41:27 +0000

Oh yeah. One more person who needs to be fired is the Hall Director. Out, out, out, damned spot!

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By: Josh

Josh — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:44:32 +0000

And even more coverage–

College Media Matters: Schools Fight Back! – James Madison Charges
Student Journalists, Butler Sues Student Blogger
http://collegemediamatters.com/2009/10/28/schools-fight-back-james-madison-charges-student-journalists-butler-sues-student-blogger/

Technician (NC State): The failed Amendment
http://www.technicianonline.com/viewpoint/the-failed-amendment-1.2042745

DNR: ACLU Likely To Support JMU Reporters (requires subscription to read)
http://dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=41984&CHID=1

Collegenews: Student Journalists Reprimanded at James Madison University
http://www.collegenews.com/index.php?/article/student_journalists_reprimanded_at_james_madison_university_119/

Richmond Times-Dispatch: Extra, Extra
http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/opinion/editorials/article/ED-NEWS30_20091029-194811/302403/

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By: Barkley Rosser

Barkley Rosser — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:37:11 +0000

Drew,

I do not know what the punishment is, but many J.A. punishments potentially involve at least suspension. Given the negative publicity this is generating, my guess is that if they are found guilty, they will get the minimum, whatever that may be. Yeah, probably mostly principle of the thing.

That said, as someone not under order of any attorney and with access to a lot of students who are loudly expressing their views and reporting the gossip coming out of this, I shall repeat the gossip, keeping in mind that that is exactly what it is. The real facts might be different.

So, what is the student gossip? They were not just let in but escorted in by a resident, with the escort with them at all times. More importantly in my book, the gossip says that not a single student complained of their presence aside from the RA. The RA is the only student to make a complaint. If this is correct (which I do not know for sure), I think this proceeding may well turn into more of a prosecution of this RA than of the reporters, and if the gossip is correct, it is my own personal opinion that this RA deserves to be fired as soon as can be done legally for massive incompetence and violation of civil liberties.

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