Dear Editor
I graduated from the U of M’s Department of Journalism program in 1990 hoping I had gotten the education that would make me an employable journalist. I ended up with multiple offers and had a 22-year career as reporter and editor. Though it worked out, I was a bit worried about the practical applications of the skills I was being taught in the classroom. I had a lot of doubts. Would I know a good story when I saw it? Would I know where to dig and who to talk to? How would I respond when faced with bureaucrats, gatekeepers and the powerful worried more about their positions than little things like the First Amendment? Would I have the chops, the courage, the fortitude to see it through, to dig, to push, pester, and prod?
Earlier this month, The Daily Helmsman published a story by Jonathan A. Capriel (“Violent sorority hazing haunts University, officials refuse to identify suspects” 04.08.15) that revealed to me a young journalist unafraid, or at least unwilling, to be cajoled by those who’d rather live in the shadows. Capriel’s riveting story regarding the cover up of a U of M’s investigation into a 2014 sorority hazing was excellent journalism. I’m sure Mr. Capriel learned much during the process of gathering information and poring over documents – some leaked to him by a confidential source – interviewing hostile sources, and creatively working around stonewalling, obfuscation and misdirection on the part of the U of M leadership.
Truth be told (that is the business of journalism, right?) the U of M administration, more specifically the Office of Legal Counsel, should be commended for their part in Mr. Capriel’s story and furthering his education. Their sleight of hand with documents and myopic interpretations of the law forced Mr. Capriel to think critically, expand his sources, be creative with his reporting, question the facts, and then write and rewrite the narrative.
In reporting that story, Mr. Capriel got a real taste of what he will likely face after college should he pursue a journalism career and tackle the gritty and the unpleasant stories. There will always be a people and institutions who don’t want journalists following and reporting the facts. Now, Mr. Capriel, you’ve learned a good lesson. I hope it serves you well in the future. You can honestly thank the U of M for your education, in more ways than one.
Chris Sheffield
BA, New Edit, May 1990
901-833-5015
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