Reaves coverage taken too far

Being a member of the press, I am all for freedom of speech. I have been known to ruffle some feathers with what some may deem “racy” or “tasteless” editorials. But the aforementioned are my opinions.Things are different when I am acting in the role of a reporter. My ethics come into play because being a journalist comes with great responsibility. We report the news – that’s it. We don’t feed into propaganda. That’s what blogs are made for. Last Monday, The Famuan ran an article about Sophomore Class President Caleb Reaves and the allegations he is currently facing for sexual abuse. As a citizen of the United States, one has many rights and liberties. These include going online and looking up an individual’s criminal record.But we must ask ourselves, did the student body really need to know this information? And did it really need to be reported on?Aside from the fact that he is a human being, I couldn’t fathom the idea of a college newspaper blasting humiliating allegations in such a tasteless manner. We live in a world with 24/7 news channels where tabloid fodder stories make headline news. Just look at the countless and useless reports by Nancy Grace on Jon and Kate’s failing marriage and in-depth reports on “Octomom.” What ever happened to restraint, decency and morals?I am in no manner defending Mr. Reaves. I do not know if the allegations are true or false. But I am certain of one thing, that the accusations Reaves is facing are just that – accusations.We live in a country where one is supposed to be innocent until proven guilty, but this adage proves false. In fact it is quite the opposite.In a way, The Famuan added to the detriment of a young man’s future.Even if Reaves is proven innocent, his reputation will be forever stained by this scandalous event. Wesley Martin is a senior magazine production student from Miami. He can be reached at Wes.N.Martin@gmail.com