2008 Woodie Awards
Response to VT Shooting
Lenore Spransy
Issue date: 4/20/07 Section: Forum
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I want to first send my condolences to the victims of the VA Tech shootings. Secondly, I want to congratulate VA Tech, even the media, in their response. As we've all learned recently, pressing for information and releasing unconfirmed information too soon can be detrimental to individuals and community.
I realize the situation in Virginia is truly tragic, greater than anything Guilford's experienced. I can't imagine how one starts processing and dealing with Monday's events. I am recognizing that the school handled the incident very well. I'm not talking about how quickly police responded; I'm talking about how as much information as possible was kept from the media so families could be contacted and investigations run effectively.
Many telephone interviews on CNN Monday were with V.T. students; reasonably, no one directly involved was interviewed, no names released. Were people just being respectful of the dead or was everyone aware of proper policies so they weren't pressing for information?
Response to Guilford's recent experience should have respected the same protocols. The injuries sustained at Guilford were much less severe, but demanding immediate information and action hindered the investigation and damaged the community.
Of course, I'm only viewing what's being portrayed, but it seems that the V.T. community is banding together, not ripping apart. We see students respectfully awaiting news and information, checking in to designated response areas, and not reporting rumors.
I applaud those involved for maintaining level heads and awaiting information. I'm glad they trust their administration and police to handle the situation quickly and effectively and inform them as soon as possible. I'm impressed that a large school like that is not full of students who feel so entitled they put aside respect and common sense to demand immediate information. Thank you Virginia Tech for showing the nation that college students can be respectful and considerate.
I realize the situation in Virginia is truly tragic, greater than anything Guilford's experienced. I can't imagine how one starts processing and dealing with Monday's events. I am recognizing that the school handled the incident very well. I'm not talking about how quickly police responded; I'm talking about how as much information as possible was kept from the media so families could be contacted and investigations run effectively.
Many telephone interviews on CNN Monday were with V.T. students; reasonably, no one directly involved was interviewed, no names released. Were people just being respectful of the dead or was everyone aware of proper policies so they weren't pressing for information?
Response to Guilford's recent experience should have respected the same protocols. The injuries sustained at Guilford were much less severe, but demanding immediate information and action hindered the investigation and damaged the community.
Of course, I'm only viewing what's being portrayed, but it seems that the V.T. community is banding together, not ripping apart. We see students respectfully awaiting news and information, checking in to designated response areas, and not reporting rumors.
I applaud those involved for maintaining level heads and awaiting information. I'm glad they trust their administration and police to handle the situation quickly and effectively and inform them as soon as possible. I'm impressed that a large school like that is not full of students who feel so entitled they put aside respect and common sense to demand immediate information. Thank you Virginia Tech for showing the nation that college students can be respectful and considerate.
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