Because of the ongoing demonstrations at George Washington University that have included American University students and the larger context of the Israel-Hamas war, we are releasing some of our internal guidelines on reporting on these topics along with descriptions of our recent coverage efforts. This is in the interests of transparency as a student media organization. But we also ask that readers support all student media in coverage of these topics.
For the Spring 2024 semester, it has been AWOL’s policy to cover protests as part of larger stories, but not as individual events in the interest of minimizing harm to student protestors and to fit AWOL’s mission of investigative journalism.
For the recent protests at George Washington University, AWOL has sent reporters and photographers to cover aspects of the protests and are working on the best way to present this work. We’ve also sent AWOL members to cover American University campus protests with the same goal.
AWOL is an investigative journalism publication, meaning issues of breaking news are a part of our reporting, but not our focus. AU has the privilege of having multiple active student media organizations including The Eagle who has been reporting on protests on AU’s campus and at GWU as a breaking news publication. In the broader D.C. community of student journalists, The GW Hatchet is also doing incredible work. Follow their coverage of the breaking news involving D.C.’s college campuses and support them while we work to deliver our investigative work.
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Responding to the escalating tensions and protests surrounding the Israel-Hamas war, AWOL implemented new editorial guidelines Feb. 8.
The Israel-Hamas war has emerged as one of the most significant campus issues affecting the American University student population. Recognizing its impact and the imperative of responsible journalism, AWOL is committed to covering this topic thoroughly and respectfully.
Under the new guidelines, all pitches related to the Israel-Hamas war will be curated by the AWOL eBoard before being assigned or pitched to the staff. AWOL eBoard will make decisions regarding assigning writers or contributors to a story. Any additions or changes to assigned contributors will be made to preserve the organization’s credibility and protect AWOL contributors.
Additionally, AWOL staff members are encouraged to pitch stories related to the subject, with pitches evaluated and tailored to meet the outlet’s standards of investigative journalism. AWOL emphasizes that every pitch must be news-related, and while protests may be part of the broader narrative, they do not constitute a pitch themselves to reflect AWOL’s investigative mission.
All articles containing references to the Israel-Hamas war — as in the case of the Spring 2024 cover story Rooted In Faith — will contain the following editors note:
The AP Style Israel-Hamas Topical Guide is “calling the present conflict between Israel and the militant Palestinian group Hamas a war, given the widespread and ongoing nature of military operations in Israel and Gaza.” The guide also recognizes the antecedent context of a 75-year Israeli-Arab and Israeli-Palestinian conflict. AWOL is following that guidance in our reporting. Any feedback on this article can be emailed to [email protected].
Neal Franklin, alongside the AWOL eBoard, affirms the outlet’s commitment to covering significant issues and topics relevant to the American University community. The guidelines underscore the importance of providing insightful and comprehensive coverage while maintaining AWOL’s role as a safe and inclusive space for all staff members.
Signed,
Neal Franklin and the AWOL eBoard
This press release was written by Issac Copeland with an update on recent campus protests written by Neal Franklin. This was edited by Neal Franklin, Alexia Partouche and Grace Hagerman.
AWOL Public Relations
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