In the December 14 edition of the American, an article appeared that detailed information relating to a recent complaint filed against the School District of University City with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights alleging discrimination within our district’s honors, advanced placement and gifted programs.
The article contained a number of factual errors about our school district, as well as a quote that was attributed to me, considering that I never spoke with the reporter.
Meliqueica Meadows did indeed call me on Wednesday, December 13 and left a message for me to return her call. Two separate return call attempts were made that day, and each time a voice mail message was left for her to contact me via cell phone.
On Thursday, December 14, Meadows admitted the quote had been lifted from broadcast interviews done several days earlier, but not attributed to the sources. I indicated to her the information presented on behalf of the school district at that time had been revised and was no longer accurate. Meadows’ actions compromised my credibility as a public relations professional and failed to project the positive work of the School District of University City.
Daphne J. Dorsey
Public Relations Coordinator
School District of University City
Editor’s note: The reporter should have cited the other media source for the district’s comments.