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UC DAVIS: OFFICE OF THE VICE CHANCELLOR - STUDENT AFFAIRS June 14, 2002 DEANS, DIRECTORS, DEPARTMENT CHAIRS, AND CAMPUS/UCDMC ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS Re: Institutional Response to the California Aggie "Spoof" Edition To Members of Campus and the Larger Davis Community: On Friday, June 7, The California Aggie published its annual "spoof" edition, a satirical insert in the regular daily paper. As a satirical piece, the spoof issue has historically exaggerated and ridiculed the issues and personalities from the previous year. Although the spoof issue has certainly been controversial in recent years, it has maintained a degree of propriety. However, this year, by the standards of our community, the spoof issue contained denigrating phrases and explicit photographs that crossed well over the line of good judgment. The California Aggie, as all forms of the press, must be free to express itself, particularly in including controversial news or editorial opinion. This is an essential constitutional freedom and we remain committed to ensuring it. However, with this freedom also comes a heavy responsibility - a responsibility to embrace professional journalistic and ethical standards and reasoned judgment in making editorial decisions. This responsibility does not abate simply because the spoof edition is intended as satire; rather these expectations apply to every aspect of every edition that is published. Speaking on behalf of the university administration, I want to express my considerable offense and disappointment at the vulgar and mean-spirited quality of this most recent edition. Under delegation of authority from the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, the Campus Media Board oversees the student media at UC Davis and is responsible for the development of policy and the establishment of journalistic standards. Further, the Board approves media budgets, monitors the operations of the media, provides advice and counsel to media managers, protects the media against infringements of their First Amendment rights, and resolves grievances concerning the student media. Consistent with these responsibilities, I believe that the concerns raised regarding the spoof issue are appropriately addressed and best resolved by the Campus Media Board, in concert with the editorial staff of The California Aggie. I have asked the Board to meet at the earliest opportunity following final examinations to review this matter and to recommend any appropriate remedial actions. I am aware that this publication has caused particular upset to some members of our campus community. I encourage them to convey their concerns to the Chair of the Campus Media Board (email to mediaboard@ucdavis.edu) or to utilize other appropriate campus resources, including the UC Davis Counseling Center. Additionally, throughout the next several weeks, administrators from my office and the Office of Campus Community Relations will continue to meet with and be responsive to both the student media and concerned community members. I do hope and expect that through these discussions and the efforts of the Campus Media Board that we will effect a renewed commitment to the campus's Principles of Community; a statement that equally binds us to the rights of free expression and the responsibilities of civility and decency towards all members of our community. Robert G. Franks Interim Vice Chancellor - Student Affairs 02-083
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