Spring Break
Abstract:
The University of Missouri - Kansas City has launched a new investigation into allegations that two professors sexually harassed female students and staff.
The allegations, initially reported by a graduate student in May 2005, charge that Drs. Keith Haddock and Walker S....
Michael Leahy
posted 8/21/07 @ 2:22 AM CST
A few nitpicks though: is it necessary to lede the story with a cumbersome "The University of Missouri - Kansas City"? The UNews IS the official university paper afterall. And knowing your readers, I imagine they'd all know which institution you were talking about if you simply wrote "The University has launched a new investigation..." (A lede as such might be a better way to start the story off on a more personalized note for your readers).
As far as the facts are concerned, I have one question: why would the University pay $1.1 million before they even launched their own investigation? I mean, I'm sure their lawyers are smart, but a million dollars is a lot of money to spend on a scandal that we only afterwards internally investigate.
Is this standard procedure? How often do our lawyers advise the University to not pay out without the administration's own inquiry?
And, I think it's worth asking, were the offences really that big of a deal? Even though the culprits are impeachable, how far off was their language from idiotic dorm life banter? As a student, I'd feel these questions might put a more personal angle on the story and make it a little more interesting.
yours truly,
J. Michael Leahy