The Gothic Times

Issue date: 12/15/09 Section: Editorial

Media Credit: WGKR

I often read the fliers posted on various billboards around the NJCU campus. Mostly, these fliers appear to be promoting normal, college themed events such as, "Come Out and Support the Psychology Club" or "Help Us Celebrate Multicultural Month." But when I came across a recent flier posted by the official radio station of New Jersey City University, WGKR, I was both shocked and disgusted.

The flier reads as follows:

Gothic Knight Radio presents DIRT
Someone you want to air out?
Know something you shouldn't?
Send us an email

At first, I thought the flier might have been posted without the permission of the Student Government Organization (SGO). Unfortunately, I was incorrect. In the bottom right hand corner the official stamp of the SGO is clearly visible.

However, my real concern over the posting of this flier is not whether it had the approval of the SGO (I'll get to that point later), but rather the public safety and legal ramifications or "airing out" private information over the airwaves.

Haven't we learned that people who are teased or publicly embarrassed often lash out at those who have made public their private information? Do the student leaders of WGKR think that it's wise to set up a system whereby students can spread rumors about other students?

And if you think I'm being an alarmist, consider these few scenarios:

What happens if a scorned girlfriend decides to divulge the private, possibly embarrassing information of her ex-boyfriend? Will he seek retribution? Will he find her and take out his embarrassment on her or will he find someone else to do it for him?

What happens if a student who is struggling with his or her sexual identity is publicly "outed" on WGKR? Will he or she find it hard to deal with the idea that everyone now knows his or her private business?

At the LGBT Flag Raising ceremony last month, Director of Hudson Pride Connections, Nancy Caamano, a former NJCU student, stated, "I remember being nervous about signing up for Gay and Lesbian Literature because I was worried that everyone would then know [about my sexual identity]."

Should we leave the decision to "come out" up to students like Nancy or is it WGKR's responsibility to make the decision for them?

What happens if a student's private medical information is "aired out?" What if the student decided to have an abortion or was considering a sex change operation? Does the NJCU community have the right to this information?

Continued...

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