The Gazette often exhorts readers to support community journalism. But it’s fair to wonder if the paper itself is truly committed. A former Smith College employee named Jodi Shaw has accused Smith of fostering a racially hostile workplace. She’s planning a lawsuit.
Her story has generated massive national coverage; the New York Times has reported extensively. Shaw’s been interviewed on cable news and articles have appeared in the Boston Globe, Rolling Stone, the Chicago Tribune and countless others. The Times’ coverage was so buzzworthy, the paper compiled a summary of reader responses, including letters from Smith alumnae.
Regardless of how one feels about the merits of Shaw’s case, it’s a compelling story, with implications for Smith, its employees, students and Northampton. Yet, the Gazette shows little interest. Our local paper wrote a single article about the case weeks ago.
How egregious was the framing? The headline trumpeted the college’s denial of a story the Gazette hadn’t even bothered to previously cover. While Smith president Kathleen McCartney is quoted extensively, Shaw’s comments, drawn from her resignation letter, are in fragments, confusing to read and lacking context.
Why not quote her fully? Shaw is well spoken, willing to tell her story, and local, but did the Gazette even bother to reach out? We’re not told.
Shamefully, the only extended quote from Shaw is pulled from a GoFundMe page set up to help pay legal and living expenses, slyly bolstering Smith’s insinuation that Shaw is in this for the money.
The story continues to unfold nationally, but the Gazette appears intent on maintaining radio silence. We’re left to draw only one conclusion: the Gazette is afraid to ruffle the feathers of a wealthy and powerful benefactor.
Spare us the pleas to support community journalism, Gazette, until you’re willing to step up.
Anthony Fyden
Hadley
.