Editorial: Why we’re reporting on the South Hall case

[NOTE: The views expressed in this editorial do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Guidon reporters, its management, or any Norwich organizations.]

At the heart of our mission as a student-run newspaper at a private military college is a commitment to the principles of integrity, transparency, and community welfare. It is with a heavy heart that we address a recent incident of sexual assault within our campus community, an event that deeply affects us all, touching the core of our shared values and safety.

On Monday, April 8, The Guidon’s digital editor published the news of a sexual assault reported at South Hall dormitory by Norwich Public Safety. After that article was published, there was mixed reception on campus, both online and in-person. Some appreciated the article being published as the university had not notified the campus in this or other past cases (i.e., the Wilson Reich case last year, which is is still ongoing). However, there were others who objected to the article being published, with some voicing this online and in email to our digital editor. As such, we want to make it clear why we at The Guidon are choosing to report on this case.

We have been asked by campus sources to refrain from publishing a story on this incident. We want to express our deepest sympathies and respect towards any victims who might have been involved. This decision to proceed with publication has not been taken lightly, and our discussions have been filled with care, concern and intense deliberation.

However, we find ourselves bound by a greater obligation to the community at large. As a military institution that molds future leaders, we are held to the highest standards of accountability and ethical conduct. Our readers expect from us not just the news but the truth, presented with integrity and responsibility. To withhold information about safety threats, however sensitive, would be a disservice not only to our immediate community but to the foundational principles upon which our institution stands.

The article published on Monday did not include details on the case other than its location, and very few details were provided in the public crime log entry. Shortly after publishing the article, some readers tried to get answers elsewhere. This included speaking with Resident Advisors, gossiping with others , and referring to YikYak posts on the case. This is where some rumors and misinformation began showing up, further convincing us at The Guidon to continue covering the case and get answers.

We recognize our need to explain to our readers overall why we are covering this and how we operate. We are a student-run, independent newspaper here at Norwich University; all of our staff are students living on campus with various backgrounds, such as cadets and civilian students, ROTC contracted or non-pursuing, athletes, and so on. We are providing this campus, along with alumni and readers outside of Norwich, this service voluntarily. We deeply care about the community and the campus we are a part of. We are not to be a mouthpiece for the top staff at Norwich. We are here to cover news on and about this campus, whether good or bad. If we don’t cover this, who will? The sexual assault case last year came as a major shock to this campus when it first appeared on WCAX News and other local media. But this is our university. And we will cover it in the sensitive and unique way only we, as students here, understand. Here at The Guidon, we seek to engage in real and professional journalism, which means covering topics that are very serious and intensely sensitive, even if it goes against the university staff’s wishes.

Another major reason for us to cover this and other significant topics and cases is to help promote a safe environment for students, faculty and staff on campus, for our community to be well aware of these issues, and to see how the university and other organizations involved handle this case and others like it. By covering this, we are giving the community a chance to hold the university accountable and to ensure they mean it when they say they care about the safety of students and faculty. Covering this also brings up the need for the community to police itself, hold each other accountable, and not tolerate criminal acts like this case. The Norwich Public Safety office, Title IX office, the Counseling and Wellness Center, and many other organizations on campus cannot ensure student and faculty safety alone without the community’s help. Additionally, numerous students here aspire to become officers and leaders in the military. Others plan to pursue careers in business and the private sector, while some aim for federal jobs and law enforcement roles. It is important to note that all of these professions have a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment and sexual assault. These organizations will not accept individuals who are complicit in any form of sexual misconduct.

As mentioned in the original article, The Guidon encourages anyone who is a victim of sexual assault or witnesses an incident to call 911 and campus public safety. There are free and confidential counseling services available through the university’s Counseling and Wellness Center.

Let’s aim to prevent incidents like this and make this campus safe to be in.