HU PRESIDENT, SCRIPT EDITOR REACH AGREEMENT
Task Force Appointed to Hampton Script

Hampton, VA - The editors of Hampton University's Hampton Script and Dr. JoAnn Haysbert, HU acting president, have reached an agreement to publish the Oct. 22 issue of the student newspaper. The students will publish and distribute the paper at the Homecoming game on Sat., Oct. 25, 2003.

The editors of the Script will redesign the paper with Haysbert's letter on the front page. The HU administration has agreed that in the future the mediator of any disputes regarding the student newspaper will be the faculty advisor.

In addition, Haysbert has appointed a task force headed by veteran journalist Earl Caldwell, Scripps Howard Endowed Professor of Journalism, to look at operations including the role of the Script, the student staff and faculty advisors.

"There is indeed a lesson to be taught from all of this," said Haysbert. "And I propose that through research, discussing our differences and listening to one another, we will uncover valuable insight that will collectively make Hampton stronger."

Other members of the task force include Talia Buford, junior print journalism major, Daarel Burnette, II, sophomore print journalism major, Dr. Chris Campbell, director, Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications, three faculty members, and Dr. Oscar Prater, vice president, Operations Analysis and Research, ex officio member.

"I’m pleased that the university administration has agreed to abide by the recommendations of a task force that will examine the operation of the Hampton Script," said Campbell. "This seems to me to be an excellent resolution to a very difficult situation.

"I’m especially pleased by the make-up of the task force. Task force chair Earl Caldwell brings unprecedented credibility, and the students are well represented," Campbell said. "I’m confident that students from the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications have an appropriate venue for their work, and the spirit of the First Amendment will continue to live on the Hampton campus."