Miami students have had enough with the Miami Student.

For a publication that bears the title of the "the oldest university newspaper in the country," you'd think they'd have more of a grasp at what they're doing. But time and time again, the Student publishes articles that are disrespectful and in no way journalistic.

In a recent article published by the Student, the author talks about the school's alcohol policy and the trend of first-time arrests with offenses that happen soon-after. This would be an interesting topic to research and write about, but instead of leading with the classic "college students' binge drinking is really bad and here's why," the Student chose to start off with a very detailed and unnecessary retelling of the night Erica Buschick passed away.

My question is why? Why use the story that has been told on every media outlet possible in excruciating detail and has broken so many hearts in every corner of this campus, to be the majority of an article about arrests on campus? I see where you thought you were going, using such a “hot topic” to talk about the alcohol policy and the drinking culture, but instead of finding any other evidence to support your claim, you decided to tack on your two cents onto the death of Erica Buschick. And I (and basically every other person on this campus) have a problem with that.

As a professional writing major, I have been through the wringer when it comes to the Journalism Code of Ethics and what can be quantifiable as "journalistic." Journalists report the good, the bad, and the ugly as long as something is "public knowledge.” That's fair.

But there is a fine line between reporting the facts and exploitation. In the literal Code of Ethics, one of the important code is it to “minimize harm.” If you don’t know what that means, the main points consist of:

1. "Balance the public’s need for information against potential harm or discomfort. Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance or undue intrusiveness,” and most importantly,

2. "Show compassion for those who may be affected by news coverage."

Erica Buschick's life and death has gone viral. Students on our campus, and even campuses across the country, are aware of this situation. In case it wasn't mentioned or if you live under a rock, we do know it was related to alcohol. We also know it was extremely tragic and heartbreaking to lose such a woman, friend and fellow student. But is milking every detail from a story that cost Miami the ultimate price of a student's life, truly ethical? Because to me, it sounds like half-assed "reporting."

Instead of trying to use an eye-grabbing headline like "MU first-year student who died had prior arrest" (which sounds like the author was desperately trying to sound relevant and gain page views) the Student could've headlined, "Trends in arrests shows MU alcohol policy isn't working." There! That sounds both journalistic and newsworthy and like an article that will actually spark an educated discussion.

This story has run its course. The headlines have run out. The use of exploitation to make a "point" needs to come to an end. The life and death of Erica Buschick has gone viral in front of her family's eyes; show some compassion, because it's ethical and because you're a human. Instead of being remembered for how she truly was, she now has "MU first-year who died had prior arrest" slapped over her.

Miami Student, unless you have something actually newsworthy to report that would benefit the general public, I suggest you take a seat.