Kim Manahan, Whetstone editor Class of 2011
By Kim Manahan
Dear Kristen,
After reading your editorial, “Whetstone Receives Criticism During Town Hall Meeting,†a few things went through my head.
- This Kristen woman is on her game and definitely has a future in this field.
- My alma-mater’s new president sounds condescending.
- Wesley has not changed much since I was editor-in-chief of the Whetstone some five years ago.
The two parts in your editorial that really made my blood boil were these lines: “When Clark personally told me an article was ‘bad,’ he was referring to the story in November’s issue, ‘Security Accused of Acting Unprofessionally.’ The reason for his criticism was, ‘I don’t like surprises,’†and “…here were two different times when Clark referred to an interview with a student from this semester’s journalism class who was speaking with him during her attempt to write about the salaries of Wesley’s highest earners.… he told us that he had asked her why she was doing the story, and if she was even interested in the story.â€
Let’s stop here. That is quite possibly one of the most disrespectful and condescending things you can say to a student reporter. Let me rephrase that – a student reporter who is trying to learn a trade and who is technically paying your salary. Because isn’t that why we attend school – to learn a trade and hopefully one day have a career?
Something tells me President Clark doesn’t understand the importance of journalism and this little thing we learn about in school called checks and balances.
Kristen, as well as every student who works for and has worked for The Whetstone, has a right and a duty to report what’s going on in the Wesley community. And every student who has ever paid a single penny to Wesley College has a right to know how their money is being spent, what is going on around campus, and of the crime in Dover that student ambassadors won’t tell you about during your initial visit.
Kristen – I remember what being in your shoes was like. Though we may have had different experiences, we both had/have to deal with authority figures who don’t want things exposed, who belittle us for pursing a passion, and who want things their way.
I worked on the Whetstone from my freshman year to my ‘super-senior’ year. I spent nearly 30 hours a week, or more, on that newspaper (in addition to an off-campus job).
We ran stories on salaries, sex offenders and shootings around campus, the education department losing accreditation – you name it.
I want to share a few of my experiences with you.
When the education department was put on probation by, and then lost NCATE accreditation, the students did not know.
My roommate, who was an education major, had no idea.
So, we on staff did our due-diligence to our peers and reported it.
After that article came out, one of my staff members and I were cornered by education professors in Budd Hall who reprimanded us for running the article.
Another time, I did an article on the fact that about 30 registered sex offenders lived less than a mile radius of the college. I presented this at Scholars Day in 2011 as well. A member of the college faculty tried to criticize me during my presentation for being “negative†and basically making the college look bad.
I think the students have a right to know what surrounds them. Hell, when I lived on New Street, two blocks from campus, our neighbors’ house was shot up. Before making my decision to attend Wesley, I was told the college was in a safe area.
So, Kristen – keep doing what you’re doing.
You and Brittany are doing a phenomenal job at running The Whetstone. I always check the site, and when I see a hard-hitting story, I smile. You both, from reading your stories and talking with Professor Greto, seem to be very talented, smart, and passionate young women with bright futures ahead.
Don’t ever let anyone talk down to you or intimidate you.
You have an important job – keeping the students informed.
You do not answer to the administration, and once Wesley’s new president realizes that, maybe he can learn to appreciate the job you have taken on.
And Mr. President, like the salaries of Wesley’s top earners, my email address is public domain.
Sincerely,
Kim Manahan
Class of 2011
