Cartoon mishap

Thursday’s editorial cartoon was incorrect, and we’re sorry

We were wrong. There’s no other way to say it.

Thursday’s editorial cartoon questioned money used for the College of Pharmacy expansion in relation to no flu shots at the college’s Dawgtoberfest event this week. We received letter after letter from disappointed pharmacy students. Usually, we aren’t concerned whether our cartoon offends, but there was one major problem – our facts were incorrect.

The facts: The College of Pharmacy raised $5,200 to purchase 500 flu shots. However, due to a nationwide shortage, the vaccines could not be supplied for this year’s event.

When our cartoonist drew his piece, he used Wednesday’s news article for his idea. However, he misread it and drew a misleading cartoon.

As editors, we failed to edit. We were complacent with checking our cartoon space and didn’t question our nationally award-winning cartoonist who is intelligent and talented. But that’s the one thing we can’t do in our jobs.

And you called us out. We received more than 30 letters and we appreciate it. A few are on this page, and all of them are included online.

Some accused us of attacking the services provided by volunteers. We want to reassure the pharmacy students that we have nothing against them and found the event newsworthy, which is why we covered it. We always intend to work with the pharmacy school – and all colleges across campus – with professionalism and accuracy. This happened on Wednesday’s news page but not on Thursday’s opinions page. These discrepancies undercut how we build relationships.

The one thing we’re encouraged by is the volume of letters. That shows how much you care about your activities and value what we do: trying to present factual information to the public. Continue to keep us accountable, and we’ll continue to give you the news you want and need.

- Carolyn Crist for the editorial board