The McCandlish Phillips Journalism Institute stands in support of journalists doing the vital work of fact-based reporting during this current time of social unrest. It condemns violence against members of the media who are doing essential work in support of our constitutional democracy. It encourages journalists to report accurately on instances of police brutality such as the tragic death of George Floyd.
MPJI encourages journalists to tell the stories of peaceful protestors as well as to show the public when protestors are causing harm to other citizens, businesses and institutions in civil society. And MPJI encourages journalists to delve deeper into context and history to report on the roots and impacts of racism and historic injustice. MPJI encourages reporting on the politics, philosophy and economics underpinning these issues. MPJI encourages journalists to report on people who offer solutions and forums for dialogue and understanding rather than only reporting on ongoing conflict and hatred. And MPJI recognizes the importance of religion and faith as a zone where journalists can and should report on solutions and where people are often able to talk and to, eventually, forgive.
Professor Paul Glader, Executive Director of MPJI and MPJI Team