An editorial from The Daily Athenaeum
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Receiving official documents from West Virginia University can be a pain.
As young journalists affiliated with the University, we have a unique access point. We have access to the students, administrators and offices like no other media groups do.
We can’t just put a Band-Aid on the problem. Our community needs to let the wound heal.
Our organization filed a Freedom of Information Act request to inspect records detailing why the Kappa Sigma Fraternity was suspended prior to the “Big/Little” night where events occurred leading to Burch’s death.
This is an extremely important request. What if the fraternity was suspended because of underage drinking? What if it was suspended because of drug use in the house?
Right now, all one can do is speculate.
Our organization also requested a list of the students who were a part of Kappa Sigma prior to being suspended. Bob Campione, director of student organizations and keeper of these records, denied our request.
What if members of the fraternity had prior arrest records of supplying minors with alcohol?
In a voicemail, Bob Campione said he asked his superiors about releasing the Kappa Sigma roster and was unable to at this time.
So, like good journalists, we filed FOIA requests for both records…