2008 Woodie Awards
Clarifying the hand book story
Issue date: 9/12/07 Section: Opinion
- Page 1 of 1
When you picked up the first issue of the Crimson last week, you might have been surprised. So were we. The article entitled "Handbook allows homosexuality" included some unintended elements that we would like to clarify.
The caption under the photo on page 1 was not intended to print; unfortunately, due to computer malfunctions, it was accidentally sent to the printing company. Furthermore, the photo with the story was posed and did not depict an actual homosexual couple. It was not our intent to mislead the public that this was a same-sex couple on Samford's campus.
In addition, the headline did not accurately portray the intent of the story. It implies that, over the summer, administrators decided to allow a sexual preference not previously condoned. However, Samford University has not undergone a policy change concerning homosexuality. Rather, the change in the handbook was merely a clarification of wording rather than a change in values.
The previous handbook listed "homosexual acts" in the same line as "adultery, unwanted fondling and rape" under "Sexual Misconduct," all of which carried a minimum sanction of a $75 fine. The 2007-08 student handbook was revised to the clear up the ambiguity of the phrase, "homosexual acts." The list of sexual misconduct now reads: "heterosexual/homosexual intercourse, adultery, unwanted fondling and rape," all of which carry a minimum sanction of probabtion and a $75 fine.
The Crimson staff made a conclusion that the change in wording from "homosexual acts" to "intercourse" meant a change in policy. However, it is not our place to draw conclusions not confirmed by authoritative sources (i.e. the administrators responsible for creating and enforcing such policies).
Our first issue of the year is always a learning experience, and we appreciate feedback that draws attention to any error or inappropriate inference that we may print. We value the accountability afforded to us by our readers, both now and in future issues.
The Samford Crimson
The caption under the photo on page 1 was not intended to print; unfortunately, due to computer malfunctions, it was accidentally sent to the printing company. Furthermore, the photo with the story was posed and did not depict an actual homosexual couple. It was not our intent to mislead the public that this was a same-sex couple on Samford's campus.
In addition, the headline did not accurately portray the intent of the story. It implies that, over the summer, administrators decided to allow a sexual preference not previously condoned. However, Samford University has not undergone a policy change concerning homosexuality. Rather, the change in the handbook was merely a clarification of wording rather than a change in values.
The previous handbook listed "homosexual acts" in the same line as "adultery, unwanted fondling and rape" under "Sexual Misconduct," all of which carried a minimum sanction of a $75 fine. The 2007-08 student handbook was revised to the clear up the ambiguity of the phrase, "homosexual acts." The list of sexual misconduct now reads: "heterosexual/homosexual intercourse, adultery, unwanted fondling and rape," all of which carry a minimum sanction of probabtion and a $75 fine.
The Crimson staff made a conclusion that the change in wording from "homosexual acts" to "intercourse" meant a change in policy. However, it is not our place to draw conclusions not confirmed by authoritative sources (i.e. the administrators responsible for creating and enforcing such policies).
Our first issue of the year is always a learning experience, and we appreciate feedback that draws attention to any error or inappropriate inference that we may print. We value the accountability afforded to us by our readers, both now and in future issues.
The Samford Crimson
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