Student Editor at Christian College Commits Brave Act of Journalism: Will Lib Media Notice?

September 25th, 2012 6:02 PM

Will the media notice this act of journalistic bravery? Alex Green, the student editor at Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee, defied his own university and exposed the details behind the resignation of a professor who was arrested for "attempting to meet 'with a minor child'" at a gas station.

Green's story was spiked from The Triangle, the student newspaper at the Christian college. The school's president, Dr. Stephen Livesay wouldn't allow it to be published. The website Romenesko.com recounted what happened next: "Still, Green was determined to get the word out. He printed his story and a sidebar and distributed them on Monday." In an interview with the website, Green explained, "I placed them around campus and at the doors of dorm rooms and at public areas around the school."

President Livesay originally told the paper that the professor, David Morgan, was leaving to "pursue other opportunities."

For his action, Green (see a picture below), could be expelled.

In an accompanying piece, the college senior detailed why he stood up to the university:

I am aware that on the heels of the Penn State football tragedy, the minds of many people will jump without much thought to similarities between us and them.

Bryan College is not Penn State.

Had one individual in the Penn State program stepped up and revealed the truth about the actions of Jerry Sandusky, there would have been no fallout 14 years later.

...

Printing this story will not cause a Penn State situation for Bryan. I believe it will prevent one.

That’s why I’m dispensing it.

“We are Penn State” was their approach. “Christ above all” is ours.

Journalists are fond of touting their ability to speak truth to power. The tales of Watergate, of Woodward and Bernstein, are endlessly retold. This student editor spoke truth to power at great risk to his own future. Will he receive the accolades awarded other truth tellers?