It's seamy, it's sordid, it's everything media critics say dominates the print and electronic media.
So where has the media been in on the ongoing story of former Missouri State University drama instructor George Cron's wrongful dismissal lawsuit against the university?
The trial is scheduled to begin in less than two weeks in federal court in Springfield, yet as far as I can tell, it has not been mentioned by any of the traditional media outlets in Springfield. My view of tabloid-type stories has always been, if it's Paris Hilton in California, it's tabloid trash, if it happens in your backyard, it's news.
But this particular lawsuit is about more than just titillation. It has a number of legitimate news pegs:
-It involves issues of sexual harassment and romance in the workplace, both of which have long been considered newsworthy topics.
-The lawsuit was filed against a taxpayer-funded institution and involves the way in which a particular part of that institution (the Department of Theatre and Dance) is being operated.
-Two of the principals in the case have made names for themselves in the arts. Cron, in addition to staging a number of successful theatrical productions during his time at MSU, has also played minor roles in movies, while defendant Rhythm McCarthy, is an accomplished professional dancer.
-It is one of a number of lawsuits that have been filed in connection with various departments at Missouri State, and the others have received extensive media coverage.
If anyone out there can tell me why this story has been totally ignored, I would appreciate it.
6 comments:
The guy dresses like Fred F***ing Rogers yet looks like a desparate 40 year old. She isn't in her 20's. I think that's why no one cares.
Would someone please look at the past history of this woman and the history of the department - especially in recent years.
McCarthy's relationships with Parkhurst, Mauldin(both departed members of the department), her relationship with the departed Dean Belcher should be examined.
NOTE: Belcher left for Arkansas, Little Rock, and proportedly was involved in the hiring of Raphael as the Department Head there. McCarthy has made numerous visits to Little Rock.
The fact that Raphael a married man came to MSU and within a few months rumors abounded, and now he's divorced.
A SECONDARY ISSUE PERHAPS AT PLAY IN THIS MESS
Theatre and Dance needs to be looked at for it's history of prejudice toward the Southwest Missouri area. Mr. Cron is a native of the area. There are numerous reports of individuals involved in this case of disparaging the region. It is rumored that a "we" "them" atmosphere is prevalent in the department.
The President of the university, speaks on and on about multiculturalism, however it appears that he has no interested in addressing the bigotry among the numerous faculties at the university in regard to their disdain toward the residents, and even students from the surrounding areas.
I think in general civil suits are viewed with much skepticism. They are all he-said she-said and it's all just crap. Anything real is usually battled out in criminal court.
That's my guess.
I might agree with you except that the News-Leader has made a point of covering other lawsuits and legal matters involving the university.
You are right, but generally those cases have been about someone's rights - not about interpersonal relationships. It all gets very tough when it's all about love and the like.
Before the NewsLeader can cover something like this, they'll have to hire a reporter. Not likely to happen. And if it did, the editors would have to show him or her the way to the courthouse. And they don't know where it is either. Maybe the AP will cover it. That's the only way it will get into the NewsLeader.
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