Those who noticed the Saturday, Mar. 18 New York Times article labeling West College (WestCo) as "The Naked Dorm" got another glimpse of a narrow characterization of Wesleyan by the outside media. Students and administrators alike have assessed the article to be misleading, sensationalistic and lacking in journalistic seriousness–a seemingly surprising description for a front page article of the Times.

But disappointment with this article should not surprise Wesleyan; in the past year, it has contended with various distorted portrayals of the role of pornography on campus. And new stories are in the works: Extra! and CBS News with Bryant Gumbel have expressed interest in running pieces about nudity at WestCo.

The "Naked Dorm" article is not the first one to create a misrepresentative image, and it will not be the last. After all, according to new Director of University Communications Justin Harmon, two-thirds of a piece of journalism is about the journalist. But that is no reason, Harmon insists, to retreat from the media altogether.

"Universities are not monolithic. They’re about hearing different voices come through clearly," Harmon said. "It wouldn’t make sense for kids to need to ask for permission to talk to a reporter."

That kind of forthright statement is refreshing to hear from a University director of communications. Harmon, who comes to Wesleyan from Princeton University, steps into a newly-created role that requires him to deal with the media on a daily basis.

Harmon’s philosophy to be open, upfront and honest when dealing with the media is a good example for the University to follow. Some members of the Administration have responded to moments of public tension with this same pro-active candidness. But many others have reacted with exceedingly cautious public statements, carefully-worded sound bytes and covert attempts to minimize the media spotlight.

Harmon’s approach to acknowledge and address the issue seems the best way to also move beyond it. And it is a good way to avoid becoming too frustrated or rattled by a sloppy story on the front page of The New York Times.