01 December 2008

Law and Ethics Profile: Anthony P. Griffin

Anthony P. Griffin, a black attorney from Texas, has spent the past three decades defending constitutional rights -- including the rights of a Ku Klux Klansman. The project below provides an overview of Griffin's work and the importance of First Amendment privileges.



Special Thanks To Anthony P. Griffin for his time and cooperation in this project.
All instrumental music courtesy of FREEPLAYMUSIC.com

02 November 2008

When it takes two to Tango, you should probably watch your step.

In keeping with my recent theme of media perspectives and public perceptions, this post covers yet another way journalists (or any career-minded person) could ruin her/his professional reputation.

The U.S. job market and economy has waned -- causing a decrease in raises, hiring freezes and even layoffs. This type of climate has pushed many media professionals to take on supplementary employment -- the ever popular (amongst students at least) second job.

Now, merely having a second job doesn't automatically cause conflicts. Some may jump to conclusions about how you manage your funds or the security of your primary job. Still, it isn't likely that the public will question ethics or integrity simply because a journalist has more than one job. (I mean, let's face it, with the holidays around the corner, people of all professions may need additional income.)

Articles on how to land a second job and making time for a second job give readers great information; and I've seen several of those. Yet, they have missed a vital point. I have yet to read one of these stories or see a news package that addresses how certain side jobs are viewed -- by the public or potential employers.

Knowing what others think about your part-time job may seem irrelevant or intuitive. But, to make a truly cost effective decision, journalists need to know how the public will view their "hustle" -- so to speak. If powerful enough, public reaction might cost you the primary job.

Likewise, grad/media students need to know how potential employers feel about or respond to a job they may hold. No one wants to give up the main event for a side-gig! So, why is there no news on employer sentiments about jobs unrelated to your career?

Someone should cover this...I guess one day it will be me. Until then, I'm sticking to making the extra money in ways related to my career goals. At least that way, I'll end up dancing to a tune I like.

31 October 2008

Buyer Be Ware

With the presidential election taking place next week, political coverage will dominate the airwaves and web. Most readers use their filters to find a news source they trust, but often relax once they've reached that point. This leads to a relaxed intake of information by viewers/readers that often results in a subconscious influence of viewer/reader perspective.

Without that strong consumer filter, trusted media sources slide by with bias language and suggestive tone that eventually paints a new perspective for the masses. Though I am a journalist, I am also a news consumer and hate the thought of being swindled or cajoled. Still, no man is an island and no news article completely objective, which is why elimination of overt media bias is SO important. Those that buy into the impossibility of media bias need to take a closer look.

In light of the political haze the media has stewed in for the past 2 years, Jennifer Pozner has spent her time analyzing trusted media sources. Her analysis resulted in the lecture series "When Anchormen Attack!: Gender, Race and the Media in Election 2008." Pozner brought the "show and tell" of sorts to VCU this Fall and surprised many of the attendants with clips of suggestive and bias language and comments made by popular, trusted media personalities.

Listen to some of what Pozner had to say about the issue and how she works to remedy it:





With acknowledgement of the problem should come some solutions. Pozner offerd some interesting ways the public can work to change things.

26 October 2008

The Importance of Perception

As journalists, how the public perceives our actions holds nearly as much significance as the actions. Likewise, our perception of truth proves just as important as the reality of a matter. Had the Gwen Ifill taken this stance (as I noted in a recent post), her integrity may not have received the criticism it did.

Recently, a friend e-mailed me a link that looked quite credible. The video format, the news organization name and quality all seemed so legit. After further examination however, I had to change my perception. I realized "that's how rumors get started."

25 October 2008

There's Always Time for Class

Editors make time to train their newsroom, and journalists take the time to hone their skills -- at least that's the way WashingtonPost.com rolls.

During a roundtable discussion and tour he gave my graduate class this weekend, Chet Rhodes sounded off on reporters picking up video skills and the majesty that is the Washington Post family of products.

Rhodes, a former U of MD professor, oversees the daily videos at WashingtonPost.com as Assistant Managing Editor. His academic experience, combined with 8 years at one of the top mainstream papers in the country, definately showed. He provided some excellent words of advice for print or online journalists struggling to make deadlines, much less class.

His advice for those making the transition:

- If reporting live or doing a stand-up for a basic news package; remember to give the viewer three things --
1. Who you are and the newsroom you represent
2. What happened; and
3. What's next

- To get the best shots keep these three things in mind
1. Don't Zoom While Taping -- the human eye doesn't zoom.
2. Get Wide, Medium and Tight shots
3. The Pan RARELY works -- use it sparingly and only for visually interesting views

Of all the advice Rhodes offered, his recomendation to take classes, seek training and ask questions truly stood out.

"We train our reporters," Rhoades said. "There's always time for classes."

Check out Mr. Rhodes talking about the training the Post has done below.




You can also see some highlights from a class Rhodes conducted during the Online News Association Conference.

20 October 2008

Little Coverage of Job Market for Grad Program Grads

The coming presidential election and economic state of things have dominated recent news coverage. Few stories have focused on the lack of prospects for students entering the workforce. This is especially important for those in graduate school.

Many students everywhere have anxiety about their prospects, but the problem is even more pervasive for those in graduate programs -- as they rarely have the option to delay their job search.

While the lack of mainstream coverage on this issue makes sense for the moment, students should know the type of job market they face. That information should come before the election, as it may alter how the candidates' plans look.

Without more research on the job market, expert predictions on how to improve the outlook and coverage to draw attention to the problem some may underestimate the bleakness of the situation. Journalists could also publicize alternate options and the needs of non-conventional work that utilizes law degrees.

Let's hope for more coverage of prospects for those entering the workforce -- it may give the student vote more purpose.

12 October 2008

Retaining the Appearance of Right

Many journalists have worked long and hard to gain the trust of and build rapport with their readers. Once gained, that rapport often results in the public ceasing to see journalists as part of the public, and holding them to a higher standard of accountability.

But journalists are part of the public; with family ties, career goals and lives that cause potential conflicts of interest. As was the case of the Ifill story, no conflict existed. Yet, seemingly little thought was given to the way others could use her interests against her, it became a story.

With this in mind, don't think too harshly of those that underestimated potential conflicts with less than stellar results.

For beginning journalists, like myself, serious review of the following questions could prevent serious backlash:

1. Why is this story important to me?

Journalists always ask why a story is important, but by evaluating the importance an issue on a personal level. If a story is of great personal significance to a writer, it may prove difficult to report on the matter as objectively as possible.

2. Do any of the facts seem important to you or those you associate with?

Even if the facts seem to touch most of the public in the same way, do not underestimate the way the public will scrutinize its consequences for you and those you know.

3. Could my relationships, current or past, be used to create a conflict of interest in this particular story? If so, would my acknowledgment and dismissal of the potential conflict harm my credibility more than quashing the appearance of impropriety?

4. Could someone else in your newsroom or on your team report on the matter more thoroughly and objectively with little hardship?

While many of us have great ideas for stories and would love the byline to accompany our own portfolio, a civic journalist must place public interest before his or her own ego.

05 October 2008

With all the reporting on petty politics, any Energy for Education coverage?

Each issue within the President's reach will have consequences that reach every constituent, directly or indirectly. And, most of the public follows the lead of the media to pinpoint how an issue affects them. Without a strong, well-rounded education, however, most issues will likely seem irrelevant.

So why is it that most political coverage of late has focused on the oil/energy and financial crisis (well, that and insults)?

Despite the lack of buzz, education plans and education reform should receive more attention.

The public has ample opportunity to hear politicians hurl party insults, and most have the gumption to pay attention to the positions politicians (like McCain and Obama) take while "on the stump". Still, most of the public needs mainstream media to provide a clear portrait of action from candidates. Good journalism does this by tracking and compiling votes, giving context for statements made and reporting on them in a way that the general public can digest.

Though less glamorous than Oil and Terror, Education moves the American public -- with or without their knowledge. The outcome of government roles in Education and the advancement/decline of our academic status in the world should receive more attention. The next President's action for Academia should make front page now. After the election, it may be too late.

In traditional media some outlets covered it early on. But the media that showed the public what mattered and why were, not surprisingly, unaffiliated blogs.

28 September 2008

Ole-Miss coverage a "hit" or "miss"?

Of the more than 60,000 articles on Friday night's presidential debate, many discussed the venue. Now, I didn't read all of the articles, but those I read made a point to acknowledge the history of race-relations at the University of Mississippi (the venue). That was good journalism at work.

However, the educational and political purposes for choosing that venue aside (and we know how I feel about schools and politics), what made this university the best choice?

Some articles suggested the progress the university has made since of the university over the years made it a worthy choice. Others reported that little has changed, which arguably makes it a more worthy choice. (Maybe seeing non-white, northern-bred individuals in an intellectual light will prove positive for the campus.)

Still, little coverage exists on why this school was actually chosen. Why was it even a candidate? The nickname, traditions and mascot scream disrespect and denial to a nation united and Black Americans. Yet, someone (CPD) saw fit to have the most historic of all presidential debate seasons begin here!

Does the public know how a location is chosen? The application, which lists criteria for consideration, is available online. But the criteria used to make the actual selection must be hidden on the DEEP web. (I think it's the bottom-line, noted on pages 2 and 10 of the application...but that's just me).

So where is the coverage of why a debate costs so much and how a location is chosen? If you find that in the news, let me know how "Ole-Miss" measures up! That's great journalism. So far, I'm not impressed by the University of Mississippi or the media (large student body/sponsorship and all)!

21 September 2008

Coverage of Politics on Campus

Most agree that a college campus should primarily serve to promote higher learning, but few question the validity of political candidates debating and campaigning on college campuses. Should we simply accept this as commonplace or should more people question the appropiateness of it?

How does having a political debate on a college campus promote higher learning? Shouldn't the point for a college be to teach students about the issues and where to find information on a political platform? If that's true, allowing candidates to debate, campaign and promote a party or agenda does not align with the purpose of higher learning.

One might argue that politicians are often the best orators, but should their political platforms and ideas really be showcased by learning institutions?

I have yet to see media coverage on why politicians of a certain party visit particular campuses. I suspect that's because to do so would make it seem as though the ideals of some schools align with a particular political party.

We cover the politics of it all, but there's a story in what seems commonplace. Some journalists should include the possible reasons a campus would open its doors to politicians.

07 September 2008

As a journalist, I'd like to see a change in journals. I'm just not hot enough to work for one.

It seems logical that staffers for prestigious academic journals and trade journals would have one goal -- getting published. However, most on the staff of these publications spend most of their time critiquing and publishing the work of others rather than actually writing.

Meanwhile, those fueled by a desire to be published know that quality journalism plays second fiddle to: unique, one-of-a-kind topics that have little or no prior coverage and/or narrowly-tailored subject matter that has a very small audience.

Yet, readers subscribe to journals. Journals, especially medical and financial, maintain their prestige. The general population, however, would struggle to find information of personal significance in a journal.

So, it seems journal articles and print or broadcast coverage of an event differ greatly. One might argue that journalists have specific topics they cover or sections of the paper they write. So, this might force them to find either a new topic or to tailor their writing to a specific audience. But, no matter what section of the paper or segment of a news broadcast one finds coverage, it should always be fair and balanced. (If you read the paper or watch the news and find yourself agreeing with something, it had better be a column or a editorial piece.)

However, a vital difference exists, between journals and other media outlets, that is evident in the final product. Since a journal usually has more time to provide depth and detailed research of a topic it is expected that more aspects of the subject will receive coverage. What I find disturbing, though, is the underlying stance that many journal articles take. It could come from the climate of the publication (heavy-handed, conservative editing or a liberal, politically-correct publisher's refusal to print information contrary to popular belief). Or the passion the writer often has in the subject matter may cause the coverage to take on a subtle opinion. Whatever the reason, I have yet to read a journal article that did not take a position; like a medical journal article that dismisses holistic alternatives for treatment of an ailment or a trade journal article that downplayed the need for consumer protections in coverage of a new high-dollar-trend.

I recognize the importance of taking a stand and finding ways to support that stand. Still, I find the public's right to make an educated decision free of my slant (or any slant for that matter) more important. Journals often have the time, manpower and prestige to give readers a depth of information, background and context that other media outlets cannot afford to offer.

So, I ask myself, "Why don't journals use their power to offer readers multiple angles without an angle?" Then I remembered, those that work for a journal rarely get published. Those that get published, often have to conform to do so.

On the bright side, journals do introduce readers to unique ideas, the latest research or buzz on a topic, and support of an argument. Still, journals lack the unbiased, dual-sided coverage that good journalism (especially civic journalism) provides. Am I the only one that finds this ironic?

06 September 2008

Practice Makes Perfect

So, my first podcast is below. Not sure it's too hot, but here it goes.

03 September 2008

Is it old news even if we don't know about it?

Earlier this year, law-student and pageant beauty Kumari Fulbright made national headlines. Fulbright, who at the time had a prestigious clerkship, allegedly kidnapped and tortured her former boyfriend with the help of three other men. (The good news is, concerned citizens didn't close their eyes to the fiasco.)

After two hours of searching, the most recent news I could find on the case was an article published back in May. Surely, the pending case is not at a stand still, but its news coverage definitely is.

Another case, that of a University of Arkansas law professor suing his students, made national headlines. The students have graduated, but the drama and the court case has not ended, yet coverage of the suit by mainstream media seemingly has. In this case, the media failed to even provide all sides of the case or to stay on top of the schools response to the action.

These stories only serve as examples of many events that make national news, and then without resolve, vanish from the pages of the paper -- even the weird news section or the online outlet. This irritates me. If an event is newsworthy and the outcome pending, what makes it no longer news? Does something cease being important to the public when all of the media outlets have covered it at the onset? Does the rebuttal of other involved parties not matter? This doesn't seem fair, but it does seem accurate.

In thinking about why these and other stories have died, I've come up with several theories: 1) the impact of the event is not far reaching, 2) no end to the event or case seems possible, 3) the initial coverage received no feedback, and finally 4) maybe the media does not deem the location, subject, resolution or continuation of the coverage valuable to the public. Even with all of my theories, I see no good reason to introduce an on-going event or pending situation to the public and never follow-up on the unanswered issues.

While I realize that part of an issue's news value depends upon timing, the lapse of time or the lengthiness of an event should not kill the media's coverage of it. To cease coverage of an event that the public continues to have questions about is to close up shop prematurely.

One can only hope that media higher-ups would be receptive to reporters and editors that want to follow a story until its end...and by one, I'll be honest, I hope I'll have that chance.

The media has the power to agenda-set, but its responsibility to maintain that agenda is equally compelling. When I get my chance, let this post remind me of that power and responsibility...that is if my curiosity ever allows me to let go of a story.

03 August 2008

Good News in the News

With gas prices climbing, home sales dropping and the cost of education rising, the media has delivered some good news for those with student loans and a heart for public service.

For those working in certain fields, law being one, the College Cost Reduction and Access Act makes public service more attractive. The act ensures that the Federal government will forgive the balance of Federal Direct Loans when the borrower: 1) makes 120 payments on the loan following October 2007 and 2) works in public service continuously during the 120 payments (10 years).

To my surprise, several columns and blogs have covered this Act and the benefits it could provide. Some financial news reports have even provided details on how the Act would affect individuals.

This type of reporting warms my heart, because it does more than give readers information on who, what, where, why, when and how. If a reader can get clear information on the personal affect and importance of a news article or story, then the reporter has done a thorough job.

After reading about the Act, I personally wanted to know which public service jobs counted. After a 10-minute Google search, the most clear explanation came from a blog.

While government sponsored websites gave a great deal of information, the articles, columns and blogs I found were much clearer. That proved to me that civic journalism lives and the media can find better ways to report good news.

27 July 2008

Coverage without context: simply irresponsible

An article about a man, jailed for illegal drug use would be remiss in failing to acknowledge that he had an incurable physical ailment for which no legal medication existed. It’s because the news paints a picture for the public, and this one would be incomplete without mention of the offender’s path to his predicament. It seems quite clear in the aforementioned case that a news article or story could project a less than accurate image of subjects by omitting the context in which things occur or the history leading up to an occurrence. Though possibly an afterthought, journalists should still recognize that reporting without providing context or correlative information for the news also perpetuates stereotypes.

In the days following CNN’s coverage of Black-Americans, black news outlets and blogs have praised the coverage for highlighting the daily struggle presented by race and class bias in the U.S.; some have expressed displeasure with program’s failure to address gender inequities, the present face of racism in the U.S. and other issues that plague the Black community; and some recognize how greate inequity in media coverage really is that a program of this nature is even necessary or popular. This brought to mind reports I have seen recently about the number of blacks that succeed in law school in comparison to white counterparts and the bar-passage rates for blacks.

While these stories and blogs highlight statistics, they consistently fail to acknowledge ever-present factors that give context to those numbers. Since reports, articles and news coverage rarely provide background to the number of Black-Americans that go to college, law school, graduate school or pursue a PhD, readers often subscribe to a view of these black subjects that perpetuates the stereotype that blacks are less-qualified, less-intelligent, less-driven, less-responsible, less-accountable and less than. These stories do not address the social construct that race was built on or the limits race can present.

So, while the news media does not and should not bear the burden of countering existing stereotypes that present themselves in the news, we should always provide context for any subject deemed newsworthy.

20 July 2008

In the news: the M.B.A., J.D., M.D. or Ph.D. plays second fiddle to your S.E.X.

Even after the suffrage movement, it has taken decades for the media to depict women as three-dimensional beings with abilities that exceed gender roles. With the recent coverage of educated women or those in high-powered positions, has much really changed?

As a graduate student, the Forbes list of 100 most powerful women has always encouraged me, because I saw that gender did not have to hinder success. It publicizes women that do and have it all. The women highlighted were celebrated for their feats despite the societal constraints of sex, rather than because of it. Even in undergrad, I looked forward to seeing this comprehensive list of women that spanned the gamut from: effective, cold and calculating CEOs I loved to hate, to ladies that embraced maternal tactics in their careers—viewing their employees and businesses as family, and became successful because of it. Unfortunately, it seems Forbes stands alone in its balanced depiction of women.

The coverage of Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-NY, and Michelle Obama had more to do with fashion, emotion, disposition and femininity than character and achievement. That took a little wind from my sails, but what truly sank my battleship was this article in the Wall Street Journal. It basically discussed a study that shows a slight difference in the divorce-rates for women with graduate degrees and their male counterparts.

The article states, “Women with M.B.A.s are twice as likely to get divorced or separated as their male counterparts. The picture isn't much rosier for women with law or medical degrees.” However, when we get to the actual numbers the article shows:

According to Prof. Wilson's study, women with law or medical degrees
divorce less often than those with only bachelor's degrees, but are still more
likely to divorce or separate than their male counterparts (10% of women with
law degrees and 9% of women with medical degrees, compared with 7% of male
lawyers and 5.1% of male doctors).

When you get right down to it, there’s only a 3% difference between divorce rates for men and women in the legal profession and a 3.9% difference between divorce rates for those in the medical field. The article exaggerates the story the numbers tell to support a likely valid point: for some reason, women with high education and achievement levels do not fit the widely depicted gender-roles of American society. The credible argument this article could have made gets lost in the lop-sided coverage. It should have included research on those with graduate degrees compared to the rest of the population, news on marital status among less educated people, maybe even a realistic approach to identifying factors for divorce among professionals would have been nice.

If the media continues to depict educated women as one-dimensional and lonely, the misconception that women cannot have both successful homes and careers will flourish. Meanwhile, I’ll maintain my annual wait for that Forbes issue.

13 July 2008

Law School Stress: Students need help rather than hype.

Graduate and doctorate students face challenges that affect each area of life, from fiscal fitness and family responsibilities to physical and mental well-being. Those who have never pursued a degree or have long been removed from the stress associated with higher education sometimes lack the understanding necessary to feel compassion for students. Many often downplay the rigor of classes, homework, studying and the non-stop production of work-products that surpass the work of fellow-students to garner the B- or better average. Some even question a student's motives with quips about putting off "real" work.

When I began having difficulty adjusting to law school, my family and close-friends worked hard to provide support and encouragement. Still, the game-face many of my peers had, made my fears seem unfounded; until I did some research. Although students have lower suicide rates than their off-campus counterparts, graduate students account for the greatest percentage of campus suicides. Additional research revealed that law and med school students have an increased risk for substance abuse; especially women in these fields.

With the attention that school shootings receive, it seems that the media has not highlighted the risks facing graduate students and the factors contributing to pitfalls like substance abuse, self-abuse and suicide.

The point of this blog is not to publicize the dark times that graduate education can trigger, because many students have experienced the heartache first-hand. The point is for students to know they are not insane, incompetent or alone. The dangers of unaddressed, self-medicated depression and or stress are real. However, the avenues for support are open and success can be realized without caving in to the pressure.

A few students will always have "the time of their life" during law school, never knowing what it feels like to try and fail, to lose sleep, friends, lovers or spouses, financial security, weight and sometimes sanity. A few find it easy to complete the experience unscathed by its harshness and possibly delighted by the challenge. Yet, for the rest of us, who bleed when pricked and shiver when cold; there is NO shame in asking for help. We should take comfort in knowing that seeking the support needed to graduate with sanity will enable future success.

07 July 2008

If you're studying for the BAR...this one's for you!

Yes, I'm just a rising 3L, and I'm up this late. I say why go to sleep, if this is what I have to look forward to?

How did YOU choose a major?

Anyone with a pulse knows that U.S. immigration coverage has increased in the media and gained weight as a political issue. Now, the policies and rules have become so complex that many law students have decided on Immigration Law as a discipline. Likewise, many law professors and experts have declared Immigration Law a burgeoning career field.

Even savvy, educated individuals might have difficulty deciphering the official website from fee-based "assistance" when it comes to immigration facts and forms. So, while the media and politicians perpetuated the immigration frenzy, the law and legal education run to capitali...eh, argue...I mean advocate for those affected -- not unlike environmental law (a necessary headache, but that's another blog).

What media phenomenon will inspire a flood of "application to change major" forms, stirring up U.S. academia next?

06 July 2008

Focused and Comprehensive Coverage Equal Perfection. Let's pray that I can one day deliver.

When should the focus of a news article differ from the newsworthy event that sparked the article? It seems that articles with singular focus yet comprehensive coverage have become rare. For the reader in me, an article with a single focus AND balanced, full coverage of the events would equal perfection.

Maybe what I've learned as a media student has given me a more critical eye or I'm simply a sucker for the details, but I've found myself reading articles and wondering why more than 50% of an article focuses on something other than the reason for the article.

An article I read today left me quite torn. A suspected murderer committed suicide, but the article focused much more on the victim, a Kansas law student and philanthropist. The suicide news came just one day after the victim's body was found, which is why (I'm guessing) the story had a victim-centered focus. I'm torn because, while the story had great information on what took place and did an excellent job of capturing the life of the victim, the article's coverage of the suspect was not comprehensive.

I understand the article would have to give the public a balanced picture of the deceased, respect grieving families and maintain an accurate view of the facts. This story almost did that, but fell just short enough for me to have to do some online research of my own (oh...and blog about it). The article faltered when most of the information on the now deceased suspect came from distant parties -- a police record, an art gallery owner and the ever-faithful MySpace. Still, a family member, co-workers, friends and a professor spoke fondly of the victim.

I anticipated the victim would receive delicate treatment, out of respect for the tragic loss of life and for those grieving. However, the treatment of the suspect really seemed "safe" and somewhat nonchalant. The writer gave us some tidbits about his art and prior police record, but how about some information on how long he had known the victim. It didn't even tell me if he worked or what area of town he was from!

I've not had to write a story on a murder, a suicide or a murder-suicide, but I imagine finding a balance for the story is no easy task. Since I know how difficult reporting has been for me, I don't want to seem harsh. On the other hand, as a reader, I expect all of my questions answered.

Maybe, I'm just nosey and it's possible there's not much more to this man that committed suicide. Yet, I doubt it. Tell me why he came to the United States. How did he meet the victim? Did he have a history of mental illness? I want to know how long he had been dating the victim and if they were having problems, etc. The headline read, "Man held in death of KU student kills himself," but the story told me more about the victim's life, education and achievements than the untimely death of the pair.

I guess I just anticipated a more comprehensive article, like the coverage of the Said killings. Maybe that perfect article's just waiting for the editor's okay, and I'm just impatient. Maybe law school has depleted my good-sense and I can only focus on a single issue at a time. Either way, I wasn't satisfied. :(

Eh...love me or leave me. You were probably asking the same questions!

26 June 2008

Law without ethics begets injustice; but so does one-sided media.

My last blog ranted about the need for positive news coverage on law school and the legal profession. The Baltimore Sun heard my cry this week.

According to Karen Rothenberg -- the exiting dean at the University of Maryland's law school -- the problem lies in the media's attention to rankings and financial gain related to legal education. So, in her article from the Baltimore Sun, she praises the efforts of a program that highlights professional training DURING legal education and a focus on ethics.

It's nice to know that leading administrators in legal education recognize the lack of coverage this great program has received. As I quipped in my last blog, there's no void of media coverage on the greedy, self-gratifying and (dare I say...yes I'll say it...) UNSCRUPULOUS issues in legal education and the legal profession. When insiders take action to correct the stereotypes, misconceptions and sometimes genuine faults of the field the media needs to it too.

Now, I'm a budding journalist, and I realize good news is often hard to sell. (Count the number of positive stories on the front pages of the top media websites). But...if we thoroughly publicize the good, bad and ugly...the stories will sell themselves.

So, I say, kudos to Dean Rothenberg for acknowledging the ills in legal education and offering support to programs that remedy them.

14 June 2008

Law School Static

Stanford Law, stating the obvious, has decided to abandon letter grading for a more, emotion/sanity-friendly pass/fail scoring system.

I'm torn, folks. This makes me happy, because the unnecessary pressure and hazing that occurs in many law schools has made headlines. However - comma- I'm a tad jealous that students considering Stanford Law do not have to think about the berating they might receive from fellow students that walk around with their gpa and class rank in a key chain view finder. Well, maybe that's extra, but you get my point.

Since education is central to success for most Americans, issues that face all students should make the news. But, often, when law students receive media coverage, it's for racism, classism, sexism, alcoholism and [insert your fave -ism here].

So, why am I jealous? It would have aleviated a great deal of stress in my first-year, had I only needed to grasp the material instead of concerning myself with the ellusive A. Since I don't have the frame worthy gpa or class rank, I'm not concerned with letter grades at the present; because if I've learned anything in my 2.5 years in law school its that all achievement is relative...save passing the bar.

03 June 2008

Ascared

Since I've been working on this bedbug story, I've not slept more than 4 hours straight. I'd like bedbugs to die and never return.

Have you ever worked a second job you now regret?