In a stunning display of journalistic malpractice, the Indianapolis Star censored a welcoming letter to students of the Indianapolis Public Schools written by new Superintendent Dr. Lewis Ferebee. Dr. Ferebee had written the letter to every one of the estimated 29,000 students enrolled this month in IPS. A letter to introduce himself and talk about expectations fro for the coming school year. In his letter, Dr. Feberee told students and the overall community that he was “a listener, a learner and a proud father”> Feberee also challenged students to “make the most of your educational experience every day”. And Dr. Feberee encouraged his students telling them “You need to know that I believe in you”. The Indianapolis Star, however, edited the letter to remove the first person references of Dr. Ferebee speaking to students. In doing so the editors changed the tone, focus and power of the letter. The Star’s censoring has the community in an uproar with longtime observers noting that the Indianapolis Star has never censored letters to the editor from prominent community leaders in this way. While recognizing that sometimes letters to newspapers are shortened because of space, this wasn’t the case as Dr. Ferebee’s original letter was 317 words and the letter the Star published was 304 words.
Below is a comparison of the original letter and the original letter with the changes made by the Indianapolis Star. Plus a link to the letter as published by the newspaper.
ORIGINAL LETTER TO IPS STUDENTS BY DR. LEWIS FEREBEE
Dear Students,
I am honored to be your new superintendent of schools. While our relationship is still very new, there are some things I want you to know.
What I want you to know about me is that I have been given the tremendous responsibility of leading a district of over 4,000 adults who work to help you achieve success. I take that very seriously. I am a listener, a learner and a proud father. In fact, I have just gained about 30,000 more children, each of whom I am proud. I look forward to guiding the efforts that create the best learning environments for you and being a part of your school and extra-curricular activities.
I expect a lot of myself, those on my team and you. It is important to me that you attend a safe school and What I want to ensure that you know about yourselves is that you have unlimited potential. You are valued and you personify our future leaders, artists, philosophers and professionals. You have the responsibility to arrive at school each day willing to learn; with the expectation that the adults will handle the rest. You have a strong and compelling voice. You have the right to your own thoughts, an ability to speak your mind and a duty to contribute in a positive way to your environment. You need to know that I believe in you.
What I want you to know about us is that we already have many things in common: we care about your future; we know that hard work is required to achieve large rewards; and we know that it takes more than one person to make amazing things happen. Together we have a fresh start. Together we will improve things. Have a productive week and strive to do your best. I will see you soon.
Dr. Lewis Ferebee, Superintendent, Indianapolis Public Schools
ORIGINAL LETTER WITH CHANGES MADE BY INDY STAR IN (PARENTHESES & BOLDFACE)
I am honored to be your (the) new superintendent of (Indianapolis Public) schools. While our relationship is still very new, there are some things I want (IPS) you to know.
What I want you (them) to know about me is that I have been given the tremendous responsibility of leading a district of over (more than) 4,000 adults who work to help you (them) achieve success. I take that very seriously. I am a listener, a learner and a proud father. In fact, I have just gained about 30,000 more children, each of whom I am proud. I look forward to guiding the efforts that create the best learning environments for you (students) and being a part of your (their) school and extra-curricular activities.
I expect a lot of myself, those on my team and you (students). It is important to me that you (students) attend a safe school and make the most of your (their) educational experience every day. What I want to ensure that you (students) know about yourselves (themselves) is that you (they) have unlimited potential. You (They) are valued and you (they) personify our future leaders, artists, philosophers and professionals. You (They) have the responsibility to arrive at school each day willing to learn; with the expectation that the adults will handle the rest. You (They) have a strong and compelling voice. You (They) have the right to your (their) own thoughts, an ability to speak your mind (their minds) and a duty to contribute in a positive way to your (their) environment. You (Students) need to know that I believe in you (them).
What I want you (studewnts) to know about us is that we already have many things in common: we care about your (their) future; we know that hard work is required to achieve large rewards; and we know that it takes more than one person to make amazing things happen. Together we have a fresh start. Together we will improve things. (Star letter ends here) Have a productive week and strive to do your best. I will see you soon.
(Honorific Doctor Omitted by Indy Star) Lewis Ferebee, Superintendent, Indianapolis Public Schools Dr. Ferebee Letter Published in Indy Star
