Editorial board explains decision

The staff editorial is the majority opinion of the editorial board of The Murray State News. The editorial board is composed of all section editors.

Friday proved an interesting day in the office of The Murray State News.

A cartoon featured in the opinion section of the May 5 issue of The News satirizing Interim President Kern Alexander became a hot topic of conversation for many in the campus community.

The immediate and powerful reaction, both positive and negative, prompted the editorial board to offer an explanation of its decision to run the infamous cartoon.

Opinion Editor Rockelle Gray intentionally sought out Murray State alumnus and former News cartoonist Darin Shock.

Gray made this decision based on a recent influx of phone calls and faculty inquiries concerning Shock's tenure at The News.

The recipient of several national cartooning awards, Shock's weekly editorial illustrations were notorious on campus and in the community. Much of his notoriety was built upon his parody of Alexander.

Two weeks prior to the May 5 publication, Gray made contact with Shock requesting his contribution. At the time of the initial phone call, Shock neither confirmed nor declined to contribute, indicating he would wait to decide until he was better informed of the University climate.

After visiting the newsroom to retrieve several issues of The News containing stories about Alexander's return to Murray State, Shock confirmed his intent to contribute.

He sent the first draft to Gray Tuesday. Two more drafts followed until the final product was approved.

Six editors, the majority of the seven-member editorial board, approved publication of the cartoon Thursday. One editor was unavailable at deadline to give approval.

This reviewing process was implemented during Shock's employment at The News to ensure the board's control of his typically irreverent content.

Friday, the adviser, editor in chief, managing editor and opinion editor met with the dean of the College of Business and Public Affairs, the outgoing chair and incoming interim chair of the department of journalism concerning the cartoon.

At the dean's request, at least one staff member remained in the newsroom for the duration of the day to field phone calls, comments and complaints.

The staff received one phone call and one newsroom visit.

The majority opinion of the editorial board is that the proper steps were followed prior to the publication of Shock's cartoon.

In the days since the cartoon's debut, the campus community has reacted strongly - both in support and in disapproval of the editorial board's decision.

The Murray State News stands behind its decision and its right to publish the cartoon.

In hindsight, Lifestyles editor Casey Northcutt and Sports editor Tommy Dillard believe they made a hasty judgment in approving the cartoon and wish to apologize both to Kern Alexander and the campus community for their part in the publication of the cartoon.

To view the cartoon, visit

thenews.org.