In Response to a WKU Herald Opinion Piece

Here it goes.

I promised myself that I would not write about the WKU Basketball situation. I thought that plenty of people had the subject covered. I thought whatever I wrote would be repetitive of what has already been said.

Then, I read a piece published by the Herald Staff:  Suspense permeates campus after player suspensions, Ray Harper’s resignation. I read the piece and my blood boiled. What I am about to say is not about WKU Basketball, but about this particular Herald writer's child-like reaction to administration not giving them “the scoop.”

“If you’re wondering “was it FERPA?” - congratulations! You’re correct.”

I worked in athletics for 3 years as a tutor for the WKU athletes. I am trained in FERPA. As a tutor, I had knowledge of athlete grades, class schedules, personal information, and some athletes would just want to spend 5 minutes talking about their day. I NEVER disclosed this information to anyone (and never will).

My question to the Herald is, do you understand the significance of FERPA? Do you understand the consequences of a FERPA violation? I am guessing you do not understand as indicated by your sarcastic statement.

WKU cannot disclose information to hungry writers because it would become a FERPA violation. A university that violates FERPA can lose their funding and likely have grounds to terminate employees. There are a variety of other state, local, and federal laws – in addition to common law and tort laws that could be carried out. In addition, people involved in the hypothetical violation (violator and victim) could sue for a whole slew of reasons.

Do you want that for WKU just so you can have your story?

"The law Stewart is claiming protects the players -- Fredrick Edmond, Marlon Hunter and Chris McNeal -- from the results of their University Disciplinary Committee hearing being publicized is the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The act protects students’ “educational records,” which includes disciplinary information."

There is no “claiming.” You make it sound like he is using FERPA as an excuse to not give you the story. FERPA is EXACTLY why the players are protected. Many people assume FERPA only protects student grades; however, it protects EVERYTHING. It even protects the student who wrote this piece. It protects every single student.

“The fact that the administration is refusing to reveal any useful information is shady and makes it seem like they have something to hide.”

Aside from being a very juvenile statement, you have it wrong. Again.

You admitted you think administration should cater to your need for a story (“refusing to reveal any useful information”). What you forgot is administration knows the legal process way better than your 18-21-year-old self. If they cannot disclose information, they simply cannot disclose information. Simple as that. You can pout and write a whiny piece all you want, but administration will not read it and think “Oh, ok. Let’s violate FERPA. Let’s put this university in jeopardy because this Herald Staff member needs a story.”

They do not have something to hide. Jobs, funding, the university, athletics - they are all at stake if administration or the disciplinary committee reveal information in which they are legally not allowed to disclose. Not shady. They are handling the situation in a manner to prevent further issues.

"Social media is running wild with rumors and the university is keeping mum. Do they not recognize the dark cloud currently being cast over the men’s basketball program and the university as a whole - or do they just not care?"

They do care. That is why they are handling the situation the right way:  not the way a spectator and writer wants the situation handled. It may be hard to believe, but just because social media is running rampant with rumors does not mean administration has to open up to you about the situation.

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I apologize if any Herald writers feel attacked by my statements, but the piece was published as "Herald Staff." This article, although in the Opinion section, represents your staff in some form or fashion.

I have said it once, and I will say it again. A university disciplinary committee (UDC) does not disclose reports and information due to FERPA. Revealing such information would be a FERPA violation and would be EXTREMELY consequential to the university and athletics. Rumors and speculation will not get you any closer to an answer. Let's spend less time on rumors and more time on supporting the basketball team and being excited for the future head coach.

The truth will come out in due time.

Go Tops!