On Sunday, Oct. 13, a story titled, "The Halls of Ivy, the Smell of Beer" ran on the cover of The New York Times New Jersey Section.
It seems to have struck a few nerves in Princeton.
The piece was a sober and comprehensive look at the proposed "alcohol ordinance" and drinking at the University, specifically at the eating clubs.
Initial reactions to the piece on campus ranged from embarrassment to outrage that University students were characterized as elitist rule-breakers who are constantly drunk.
Most students say what was reported is accurate, albeit taken out of the context of a special event at the Ivy Club.
Later Sunday, however, members of the Ivy Club alleged that several passages and quotations in the story stemmed from discussions with an unidentified couple on Sept. 20, who members since concluded must have included The New York Times reporter who authored the piece.
The evening, according to several club members and officers, unfolded like this:
The club members began celebrating the first members only night around 10 p.m.
At around 11:15 p.m., David Gail '03 approached a man and a woman who were sitting on the club's back porch looking into the taproom.
After initiating a conversation, he was told by the man that the couple had been "making love in the stadium and walked by and heard some music."
Mr. Gail then sat down to talk with them further and discussed the evening's event, and most noticeably a certain club chant.
Members of the club who spoke with the couple said that at no point did either individual identify himself as a reporter.
And here lies the problem.
To name Mr. Gail and include direct quotations from a conversation he believed was private, as what members of the Ivy Club claim, is unethical.
There are certainly situations where it is necessary for a reporter to remain anonymous to ensure the accuracy of a story, but it is important for the reader to know how and under what circumstances material was obtained.
The story was overall a good piece of journalism — and may even have positive consequences such as safer conditions at the 'Street' or a better dialogue between eating clubs and the community — but it also had the effect of isolating one student for ridicule.
Both the Ivy Club, which seems to represent Princeton and the eating club system to the outside world, and Mr. Gail seem to have been unfairly singled out.
The Ivy Club, by virtue of being the Princeton icon it is, may not be able to avoid similar press in the future, but Mr. Gail should.
"That he approached two strangers, introduced himself, and cordially spoke with them at length is indicative of his personable nature and welcoming demeanor," explained Mr. Neely.
While Mr. Gail is not totally blameless, as no one denies that he made some form of the syllable-counting gaffe, this event is not something that should have been relived for The New York Times' readers. (Officials at The New York Times public relations office were unavailable for comment yesterday.)
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