Your Turn: Letters to the Editor

Cover issues

I am appalled at the recent cover story concerning the murder investigation on VCU’s Campus. It was in poor taste to put the story on the first page, especially at a time when VCU is welcoming its freshmen class.

Instead of relying on scare tactics to sell papers, the paper should have reported on the more positive developments at VCU such as the opening of Brandt Hall and new student events.

Although personal safety is a relevant issue, inciting unwarranted fear – especially on the first day of class – is just plain wrong. In fact, the murder occurred over a month ago and did not even involve a VCU student!

There have not been any student murders in recent memory, making VCU one of the safest Virginia schools for students. The newspaper should make an effort to put stories in their full context, taking into account all that has happened, the good and the bad.

– Jessica Lee

Editor’s reply: The Commonwealth Times’ news department recognizes that the coverage could be seen as a scare tactic. There was no intent whatsoever on our part to incite fear of any kind, we simply want people to be aware of their surroundings and to be safe on campus. We do cover many positive developments at VCU (including the photograph that was run about the opening of Brandt Hall), but as news people we also recognize that sometimes the message isn’t received as intended. The Commonwealth Times will continue to cover events – both good and bad – and we hope that you will continue to read our newspaper.