Repercussions stemming from a Los Angeles Times article filled with errors about Chico State aren't over.
The Times' Jim Newton came to Chico Thursday to investigate errors in Eric Slater's March 29 story titled "Hazing Death Highlights Chico's Greek Life."
While in Chico, Newton spoke to students, faculty and city officials, he said.
"I'm just trying to report the facts," said Newton, ethics investigator for the Times. "I'm here to gather information."
Among the errors reported in the story were that a Butte College student died in 2002 of alcohol poisoning and that Chi Tau pledge Matthew Carrington drank from a "5-gallon rubber bladder bag." Slater also quoted President Paul Zingg without speaking to him.
One of the first people Newton spoke with was Joe Wills, Chico State's director of public affairs and publications.
Wills and Newton spoke for about 15 minutes. Wills told Newton Slater never interviewed him.
"It's a credit to the L.A. Times to be checking into this," Wills said.
[...]
On Thursday, Panhellenic President Michelle Dobin met with Newton. Dobin had sent e-mails to both Slater and his editor trying to set the record straight, she said.
"(Newton) said he was here trying to talk to as many people as possible and to see if Eric Slater was ever in town," Dobin said.
Newton told her the Times has access to Slater's travel records, but those records don't show if he was in Chico or elsewhere in the state, Dobin said.
Slater's description of "California Gothic" architecture in Chico fraternity houses is one of the reasons Dobin suspects he never came, she said.
What is the take-away point for Sig Ep here?
- Well, first of all, stay out of situations where you may come to the "unwelcome attention" of the authorities.
- If you do find yourself quoted falsely in the press (no matter the context) don't let it go unchallenged.
- If a real problem arises use the HQ hotline number.
L.A. Times attempts to wipe slate clean
...also
The Orion Online - L.A. Times editor investigates Chico State story errors
...and
Editors note: Reporter Slater 'Dismissed' from Staff
