Editor's Note: The column that this letter is in response to was the opinion of one columnist, not an editorial.
I am reaching out on behalf of the University in response to the premature assertions and conclusions included in the editorial published in The Post on Feb. 10, 2022, about the untimely death of Jordyn Airy. This case is a tragedy that has deeply impacted all who were involved.
When a lawsuit is filed, the plaintiffs detail their side of the story in the “complaint.” A complaint filed in court reflects only the plaintiffs’ allegations; it does not reflect the other side of the story, that is, the defendant’s side. It is our hope that journalists would clearly differentiate between allegations and fact, which your editorial failed to do.
The University will present its defenses to the allegations in court when the case goes to trial, and it will present evidence that the facts of this case are not as alleged in the complaint. The proper place to do that is in court.
We ask that you, as journalists and editors, keep in mind your responsibility to refrain from making assertions or issuing your own verdict until the legal process is complete and both parties have had the opportunity to be heard.
Terry Hogan is Interim Vice President of Student Affairs at Ohio University.
