You were the Editor

It is your newspaper's policy to include cause of death whenever possible in obituaries of newsworthy people. A prominent cleric dies but relatives refuse to discuss cause of death. A reporter is able to confirm from a close family member the cause was an AIDS-related illness. Do you:

A.  Go against wishes of the family and print that AIDS was the cause of death.

Readers  21%
Editors  43%

B.  List the cause as complications of pneumonia without reference to AIDS.

Readers  79%
Editors  57%


Readers comments:

"Why bring more grief to loved ones."

"Investigate further to see how the cleric contracted AIDS."

"I don't agree with publishing cause of death."

"Those how were in intimate contact with the cleric have a right to know. The family may not be aware of all contacts."

"Why is it necessary to publish cause of death?"

"How did the cleric contract AIDS? If helping or working with those infected, report it -- if not, omit it."

Related Lesson

You Be the Editor