Medill Dean Apologizes
February 21, 2008
The dean of Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism has issued an apology for what he called “poor judgement.” The dean has been under fire for not being able to produce names of students he quoted in Medill's alumni magazine.
Dean John Lavine says that after 40 years as a journalist, he does not make up quotes. But, he adds, the school teaches "that journalism should be transparent. It is a mistake when I don't set the best example I can." Northwestern's provost is looking into the matter. Medill professor David Protess hopes the inquiry will draw from outside the school. Protess is one of 16 faculty members who signed a statement urging the dean to account for his sources.
PROTESS: We need an independent and impartial and thorough investigation in order to find out whether the dean's use of quotes were fabricated.
Former Medill dean Ken Bode says Lavine's apology doesn't make up for what happened. And that a student demonstrated great skill in tracking down a quote that, he says, seems piped.
I'm Diantha Parker, Chicago Public Radio.
Dean John Lavine says that after 40 years as a journalist, he does not make up quotes. But, he adds, the school teaches "that journalism should be transparent. It is a mistake when I don't set the best example I can." Northwestern's provost is looking into the matter. Medill professor David Protess hopes the inquiry will draw from outside the school. Protess is one of 16 faculty members who signed a statement urging the dean to account for his sources.
PROTESS: We need an independent and impartial and thorough investigation in order to find out whether the dean's use of quotes were fabricated.
Former Medill dean Ken Bode says Lavine's apology doesn't make up for what happened. And that a student demonstrated great skill in tracking down a quote that, he says, seems piped.
I'm Diantha Parker, Chicago Public Radio.
