We, the editors at the Criterion, have recently received comments concerning the withholding of certain names in our “CMU Crime Blotter.”
The crime blotter included administration-provided reports of relevant crimes and police-related events on and off campus related to CMU students.
The Criterion’s decision to withhold names last semester was not made lightly and was done so based on a recommendation from the university’s administration.
The university reminded us that college is a time for making mistakes, and learning from them.
Drinking alcohol when one should not, smoking marijuana when one should not, and other relatively small mistakes are a part of the college experience.
Therefore, names were included for crimes such as driving while under the influence, assault, warrant evasion and others that could have a substantial impact on the world and people around them.
Complaints were made concerning accusations of favoritism on behalf of the Criterion this past semester and we, the editors, deny those wholeheartedly. No name was ever removed concerning any criteria besides what was listed above.
These complaints and considerations brought us to the decision that we announce here: No name will be withheld from our blotter.
While many will be upset about finding their names in our publication, it is our decision that no police-related incident will receive preferential treatment.
The only names to be withheld will be those of the victims, or of those not provided by the CMU administration, and will be distinguished by a [NAME WITHHELD] moniker.
Another issue that has been brought to our attention is the inclusion of various reports concerning students with suicidal ideations, who were then transported to an emergency service to care for them.
The concern being that if we include these reports we are creating a stigma that suicidal thoughts are a crime, which was not our intention.
The Criterion’s intention regarding this aspect was to report any and every police-related incident. If we, the editors, were to withhold these matters wholly, we would be withholding the truth of our campus. However, the names of those with police-reported suicidal ideations will be withheld.
It is unpleasant to consider this truth that some of our fellow Mavericks are dealing with great pain, but it would be against our responsibility as a newspaper to shelter that information.
We will provide the information without comment, opinion or bias.
Additionally, we recognize that the action of considering suicide is not a crime, especially when help is sought. So we are also changing the name of the “CMU Crime Blotter” to the “CMU Blotter” to reflect the information more accurately.
The Criterion’s duty is to report on the events, moments and crimes that shape our campus. The blotter will not be removed. For any concerns about the blotter, our articles or our publication, we encourage you to write a letter to the editor at
criterion@coloradomesa.edu.
