Tribune should not have named accused Mission Prep employee

Your Nov. 16 print edition had a story by Andrew Sheeler with the headline, “Mission Prep employee accused.” That’s a headline that grabs attention and causes the imagination to conjure up all sorts of immoral acts against a minor. I took the bait and read the story. Mission Prep Principal, Mike Susank, rightly commented that he is not at liberty to ever discuss private matters involving staff or student body.

The District Attorney’s office won’t comment, rightly so. The Tribune won’t publish the name of the student, as expected. San Luis Obispo Police Department only confirms that after an investigation, a report is sent to the DA for review.

Why then, does your paper insist on publishing the name of the accused? That doesn’t seem right or fair. In fact, all it does is cause Russ Griffith a tremendous amount of upheaval in his life. At school, at the store, in his neighborhood, he is now tainted by the prospect of guilt. What if the DA doesn’t find cause to bring charges? I don’t know Mr. Griffith, but I imagine that his life is forever altered because of your policy. You should have left it at “Mission Prep employee accused.”

This story was originally published November 27, 2017 at 7:29 AM with the headline "Tribune should not have named accused Mission Prep employee."