2008 Woodie Awards
Northwestern reviews J-school dean's use of quotes
Issue date: 2/25/08 Section: News Briefs
Northwestern University said it is reviewing the use of unnamed sources and "the veracity of quotations" in writings by the dean of its prestigious Medill School of Journalism.
John Lavine cited unnamed students in two introductory letters he wrote for Medill's alumni magazine last year.
One of the quotes, attributed to a Medill junior, praised a particular advertising class, saying in part: "... I sure felt good about this class. It is one of the best I've taken."
In a column last week for the university newspaper, The Daily Northwestern, student David Spett wrote that he questioned all 29 students in the class, and that all denied saying the quote, even when promised anonymity.
The university said in a statement Tuesday the school "takes such matters seriously" and the Office of the Provost is reviewing questions "raised recently regarding the use of unnamed sources and the veracity of quotations by John Lavine."
John Lavine cited unnamed students in two introductory letters he wrote for Medill's alumni magazine last year.
One of the quotes, attributed to a Medill junior, praised a particular advertising class, saying in part: "... I sure felt good about this class. It is one of the best I've taken."
In a column last week for the university newspaper, The Daily Northwestern, student David Spett wrote that he questioned all 29 students in the class, and that all denied saying the quote, even when promised anonymity.
The university said in a statement Tuesday the school "takes such matters seriously" and the Office of the Provost is reviewing questions "raised recently regarding the use of unnamed sources and the veracity of quotations by John Lavine."
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