We've all experienced it. You're watching TV, minding your own business and suddenly, the news is talking about the latest thing that happened at BSU. So, you sit there, enraged, because the entire world (or at least surrounding area) is getting another reason to hate your University. So, here is an open letter to the media, because I am starting to get increasingly frustrated with how my home is portrayed.
To the news stations, radio stations, newspapers, etc.
I understand that you have a job to do. We all have to make money, feed ourselves, pay our bills and live in this world. But, at the expense of a whole community of people, I would like to say, enough is enough. A lot of us here at BSU feel that we have become a target. I will admit, the things that have happened on our campus as of late are unacceptable. Sexual assault is never OK, but neither is the way you are reporting it. We are NOT the only campus that experiences sexual assault. Although this is an unfortunate fact, it makes me wonder why you are targeting OUR campus. Especially since our campus takes the time to let us know when anything is reported, even when it is already resolved and they are not legally required to let us know, that way we can take the extra precautions necessary to keep ourselves safe. I also feel that it is something to be commended that victims feel comfortable enough to come forward when they have been assaulted, so measures can be taken to apprehend their attacker. But, with your sensationalist coverage of everything that goes on at our campus, who would want to come forward? You are creating fear. Parents are asking students to drop out, people are creating false reports for attention, and all anyone can talk about is how Bridgewater continually experiences more sexual assaults. What about all of the good that Bridgewater has done? How much time on your news programs did you take to report about our Martin Richard Statue? Maybe a day? Has anyone reported about the countless organizations on campus that work tirelessly to raise money for causes such as Relay for Life and CPDC? Will there be any articles about our Homecoming this past weekend, and how it brought together a tight-knit community of people who have become nothing less than a family? Ask anyone on this campus and you will find that BSU is much MUCH more than what you talk about on the news. We are a diverse group of people who have not only come together to seek a higher education, but have worked hard to better ourselves and the world around us at the same time.
But, no one sees this. Because of what you report, when I proudly say that I go to Bridgewater, I am immediately asked about the negative things that have happened here. Someday, when I go to interview for a job, will that be the first question my interviewer asks me? Will it matter that I have spent countless hours pursuing an Education Degree at one of the best schools in America for education?
So, next time you think about reporting again about BSU, think about what you are doing. Leave the victims and BSU alone and find something else to report about.
Respectfully,
Stephanie