A heartbreaking incident occurred at Duquesne University on Thursday, March 26, when we tragically lost a fellow student.  In light of this terrible event, our Senior Vice President of Student Life shared an email addressing the tragic news and directing students to resources. This email also rightly urged us all to respect the family’s privacy, explicitly stating they would not release the student’s name out of respect for their sudden and unspeakably devastating loss. Yet, despite this clear and compassionate directive, two writers for our school newspaper, the Duquesne Duke, decided to publish the student's name. They released an article merely hours after the school's official statement, showing a blatant disrespect for the example set by Duquesne administration and complete disregard for the privacy of the student’s family.

This thoughtless action has caused significant distress among the student community. Over 60 students have voiced their concerns through comments on Instagram, demanding that the writers remove the article. However, their pleas have so far been ignored, prompting this call to action.

This petition is not just about the invasion of privacy; it is about standing up for what is right and maintaining the dignity and respect deserved by every member of our community, especially in times of mourning. The school administration's decision to protect the family’s privacy should have been respected. Journalism comes with the responsibility to act ethically, and in this case, the writers failed to uphold those standards. The decision to publicize her name risks tainting the memory of a bright young woman, lost far too soon. 

In addition, this incident sets a dangerous precedent surrounding publication of sensitive information. Students shouldn’t have to fear that writers for their school newspaper might craft a story from a life-altering tragedy, leaking details, especially when the Duke’s articles are findable through a quick Google search. 

We urge the writers at the Duquesne Duke to issue a formal apology for breaching the privacy of this student's family during such a sensitive time, as well as for ignoring many fellow students calls to do what’s right. Such an apology will serve as an acknowledgment of their oversight and as a commitment to better adhere to ethical journalism standards in the future.

Furthermore, we hope that this petition and show of support from the community will urge the Duquesne Duke to set a protocol for appropriate responses to sensitive situations like these.

By signing this petition, you are supporting the call for accountability and respect in journalism within our academic community. Let us come together to ensure that a mistake like this is not repeated and to affirm the importance of compassion and consideration in all communications. Please add your signature to demand an apology from the Duquesne Duke writers now.