Handling tragedies on campus

No one wants to be responsible for informing the student body of a death. At most schools, such things are handled through administration or counseling offices of some kind.

Many school papers avoid reporting deaths -- no obituaries, limited coverage, etc -- usually citing ethical issues. But you cannot simply pick and choose the news. Student newspapers have an equal responsibility to report tragedies as the professional media outlets.

There is no denying, however, the necessity of handling these situations delicately. Many schools' administration argue that any case of suicide should simply not be reported through campus media, due to copy cat concerns. They also try to limit coverage of violent crimes, fearing for the school's reputation, as well as some illnesses.

A good newspaper can report on these cases without bias, however, and can provide valuable information about limiting the chances of further tragedy. In a situation involving suicide, a newspaper staff can take a proactive position and direct students towards counseling and other help. If there is a legitimate concern, such as illness or crime, a newspaper can inform students of precautions to take.

Finally, if a member of a campus' community dies, the community has the right to acknowledge it. Even a simple obituary can help with the grieving process.