haha, not to generalize. But it is true mostly, as a matter of Yale culture. It isn’t Yale that accounts for the Yalies of the highest integrity, of which there are so many, it is their families and upbringing that causes them to eschew this easy Yalie way out.

Yalies, per se, don’t really don’t know any better. It is an overrated institution where just going there opens doors.

Here on the Northeast Corridor, credentials are huge currency. Out west, your credential is nice, but lets judge your merits. Let’s talk to you and find out who you are, what you know, how good you are at what you do.

That process is dispensed with here, and I mean totally dispensed with.

Or in her defense(?) never purchased a journalsim text and skipped the lecture on journalism and ethics?

As a public relations professional now teaching the next generation(s) of public relations (and journalism) professionals at Curry College, I hammer into my students’ heads the vital importance of and necessity for ethical standards in their work.

I emphasize time and again that their publics…those who see/hear/read the information that they communicate on behalf of either clients or employers…RELY on the honesty and accuracy of their communications to help make decisions.

As a long-time member of the Public Relations Society of America and…now…a Member of the PRSA Board of Directors, I have to point out that PRSA…as well as other professional organizations including the Society of Professional Journalists…has a Code of Ethics that very clearly states and provides examples of possible infractions of the ethical standards that we, as public relations professionals are STRONGLY encouraged to follow.

Among the “Professional Values” of our Code of Ethics is this: “Honesty: We adhere to the highest standards of accuracy and truth in advancing the interests of those we represent and in communicating with the public.”

In the Code’s “Provisions of Conduct,” under the heading “Free Flow of Information,” are these “Guidelines”: “Be honest and accurate in all communications” and “Act promptly to correct erroneous communications for which the practitioner is responsible.”

Back to the intern…She SHOULD have known that fabricating information for her story was unethical…it was LYING. Shame on her.

To her WSJ supervisor…This individual SHOULD have made it perfectly clear from the start that the Wall Street Journal is a highly-regarded communication medium on which readers rely for news and information. And this individual SHOULD have pointed out the Society of Professional Journallists’ Code of Ethics’ guidelines on accuracy of information.

Finally, the college professors…If these individuals didn’t stress…from DAY ONE…the ethical standards that ALL communicators are EXPECTED to follow, shame on them.

The college years are the formative years…start NOW emphasizing the professional standards that serve as guidance in their work.

It’s a shame that this incident occurred. Hopefully all three “concerned parties” will take note and learn…and take serious steps to encsure that it doesn’t happen again.

Kirk Hazlett, APR, Fellow PRSA
Member, Board of Directors, Public Relations Society of America, New York, NY
Associate Professor, Communication/Public Relations, Curry College, Milton, MA

John
John Schmeltzer
University of Oklahoma