The fact that the New U published the story does not bother me nearly as much as the fact that many are already “ass”uming that the man is guilt based on speculation. If he did it then good he deserves everything that he gets, plus more. But, come on let’s get serious what “proof” is there, emails? (I know New U admins most likely read this; if you are, please publish these emails the readers and accused deserve there due diligence). Although they may not even paint a comprehensive story, they could provide greater insight than the word of an alleged victim. For any of you who have ever met him, he strikes me as extremely geeky and frail but that’s just me. Something doesn’t seem right especially since other papers say that she had continued somekind of a relationship for a while after and only had proceed with the story after they had broken up for good. And, i find it funny that she mentions that he has “power” really? Haha, more of a token position than anything else. Im not saying that the allegations are a complete fabrication, obviously there is something there, but making a decision as to wether he is guilty of rape based on one side isn’t nearly enough proof I need to crucify the man. Yes, i know he had “no comment” when asked, but thats very well understandable considering that there is still an on going investigation; i dont even think he is allowed to speak. Many are probably using this story alone as there sole reason to condemn him. As former or current college student we should need more proof before doing so, or at least I would hope so.
Yes the paper did what it had to, if I were a New U writer I would have done the same. To those that condemn the guy for wanting to “squash” the story, no shit wouldn’t you do the same? The case was dismissed, but as we all know, in the court of public opinion every person is there own judge jury and executioner as evidenced by the many people here who both vehimnately support and damn him without anything substantial other than being his friend on facebook or this two paragraph article.
He is receiving punishment for what was already criminally dismissed. But in many ways this is much worse. Can we honestly understand all the nuances these allegations carry, especially for someone in his position? The small things like the looks you get walking to class, the pointing, the piercing stares from people from ultra feminist like me. Trying to be a student and an activist despite everything that’s going on, watching a large chunk of your facebook “friends” disappear and suddenly feeling like the whole world is against you. I’ve read some organizations are already publicly condemning him, WTF? compounded by the fact that in light of everything he maybe innocent. But again, if it is ever proven that he is guilty, it is well deserved.
I don’t know all the facts but what if he is innocent what then? There is no turning back, much of the damage is already done. Many of us sit here and rush to judgment and instantly label him as that “guy” who “raped” a girl .I would be honestly ashamed of myself before i wish ill on anybody. But again if the facts ever prove to him guilty by all means wish as you please, but I’ll wait till them to lump him together with O.J. Simpson.

But I do agree with you on the New U’s history of poor reporting and even poorer writing. Publishing this article was premature and insensitive given the lack of evidence.

Did you read what I wrote?

‘Lee and Gao wrote:
“Cheng declined to comment on the record.”

Therefore, this article will sound bias for most. You guys might think Lee and Gao is attempting to determine Cheng is guilty of the crime since they didn’t publish Cheng’s side of the story. It was Cheng’s choice of not commenting on the record of what happened.’

If they had to wait for Cheng’s comments, this article would never have been published until a year later…

It was Cheng’s choice of not commenting. Please actually read what these two authors write.

We shouldn’t either.

The New U does not have a good reputation for accurately reporting news, let alone facts.

Everyone making any kind of judgment against Laya and Jesse WITHOUT THE REAL FACTS are blind to this manipulative media.

Re: the NewU as training ground–it would be nice if it worked that way. I don’t know why or what holds faculty from serving a more prominent role. The truth of the situation is that student experience and/or popularity is rewarded with responsibility and title, and in some cases, has very little to do with talent. The LJ students control the paper and make sure that it remains that way. This is both good and bad, but not something I wish to go into.

Re: your statement on my rejection of a non-j: the NewU does not have an adviser as you imagine one, but professional faculty are available at request. I reject that a non-j student would allude to the vague front page of professional journalists ethics page, as evidence for ?, without understanding what it is to go through such training. Surely I have no business telling/implying to an advanced engineering student how some such engineering project is flawed.

I dismissed the student not because they don’t have a bestseller or pulitzer, but because their quick google search on ethics and journalism showed their inability to grasp the difference between reporting and libel. The reporters did not condemn the student regent for the accused crime, they simply reported the alleged crime and only had the alleged victim to work with.

The NewU does not always get the story right, but in this instance, I don’t believe the NewU erred. In fact, I’m proud that the reporters went through with the article, not because it damages the SR, but because they didn’t bow to the intimidating pressure before them.

Again, lastly, thank you for the reasoned response.