In times of crisis, where are your allies?
Last week's crisis communications misfires were plentiful, but let's focus on a Geneva, NY college (two, actually) and a media onslaught. Hobart & William Smith Colleges and The New York Times went toe-to-toe over the Times' account of an alleged rape and its aftermath. It's a tragic story, no matter who spins the tale. A freshman student is subjected to an alleged rape , and the resulting investigations by college and local law enforcement failed to bring about action to discipline the offender(s) or change policy. Hobart's response to the Times ' devastating article? At first, no comments to the media, a letter on their website, and a follow-up letter to the editor of the Times from the chair of the colleges' board of trustees. Later, a heartfelt letter from college President Mark Gearan. HWS President Mark Gearan, By Kevin Colton (Kevin Colton) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons I worked at the Colleges a few years ago, when a st...