Incoming California Aggie editor Fitz Vo issued a front-page apology Monday for several "clearly inappropriate" items in the Aggie's year-ending spoof issue.

Vo, whose apology appeared in the paper's first issue of the summer, said the paper's parody issue "fell short of its satirical goals."

"I believe, regretfully, that several items included in the spoof issue were clearly inappropriate," Vo said.

He cited a sexually explicit photograph on the paper's front page and obscenity-laden remarks directed to former ASUCD Ethnic and Cultural Affairs Commission Chair Mary Vasquez that were "grossly demeaning, unfunny and representative of a personal attack on her character."

Vo indicated the Aggie is considering several steps "to help remedy these errors," including hiring a journalism adviser, better utilizing such resources as the "Writing in the Professions: Journalism" course, participating in training in cultural ethics and in the handling of controversial material, and publishing the spoof issue earlier in the year "so there is enough time for recourse, if any, to be taken."

He also invited letters to the editor for publication in an upcoming issue of the Aggie, even though the summer paper traditionally doesn't carry a letters page. And he indicated that he has asked individual authors of the offensive Aggie articles to voluntarily disclose their names.

"I also expect to work with the Campus Media Board in considering additional actions that will be of assistance in helping us fulfill our mission and journalistic objectives," Fitz said.

The media board, which met for nearly four hours on this matter last week, is scheduled to continue its deliberations today.

Alice Hannam, media board chair, said the group will:

• prepare a comprehensive complaint encompassing concerns raised by community members and by the board itself;
• initiate a formal hearing process that could result in personnel actions;
• work with the Aggie's editorial board to develop recommendations for remedial actions;
• accept Vo's apology; and
• discuss additional measures.

"As a satirical piece that focuses on campus events and personalities, the spoof issue has almost always been controversial," Hannam said. "While several articles in this year's paper were thought to be appropriately humorous, there were many instances where the writers clearly ignored their own journalistic objectives. At our next meeting, we will determine how best to address the concerns of the board and of the campus community."

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The following letter, written by Student Affairs Interim Vice Chancellor Bob Franks, also appeared in the June 28, 2002, Dateline.

To Members of the Campus and Larger Davis Community:

On Friday, June 7, The California Aggie published its annual "spoof" edition, a satirical insert in the regular daily paper. As a satirical piece, the spoof issue has historically exaggerated and ridiculed the issues and personalities from the previous year.

Although the spoof issue has certainly been controversial in recent years, it has maintained a degree of propriety. However, this year, by the standards of our community, the spoof issue contained denigrating phrases and explicit photographs that crossed well over the line of good judgment.

The California Aggie, as all forms of the press, must be free to express itself, particularly in including controversial news or editorial opinion. This is an essential constitutional freedom, and we remain committed to ensuring it. However, with this freedom also comes a heavy responsibility - a responsibility to embrace professional journalistic and ethical standards and reasoned judgment in making editorial decisions.

This responsibility does not abate simply because the spoof edition is intended as satire; rather these expectations apply to every aspect of every edition that is published. Speaking on behalf of the university administration, I want to express my considerable offense and disappointment at the vulgar and mean-spirited quality of this most recent edition.

Under delegation of authority from the vice chancellor for student affairs, the Campus Media Board oversees the student media at UC Davis and is responsible for the development of policy and the establishment of journalistic standards.

Further, the board approves media budgets, monitors the operations of the media, provides advice and counsel to media managers, protects the media against infringements of their First Amendment rights, and resolves grievances concerning the student media.

Consistent with these responsibilities, I believe that the concerns raised regarding the spoof issue are appropriately ad-dressed and best resolved by the Campus Media Board, in concert with the editorial staff of The California Aggie. I have asked the board to meet at the earliest opportunity following final examinations to review this matter and to recommend any appropriate remedial actions.

• am aware that this publication has caused particular upset to some members of our campus community. I encourage them to convey their concerns to the chair of the Campus Media Board (e-mail to mediaboard@ucdavis.edu) or to utilize other appropriate campus resources, including the UC Davis Counseling Center.

Additionally, throughout the next several weeks, administrators from my office and the Office of Campus Community Relations will continue to meet with and be responsive to both the student media and concerned community members.

• do hope and expect that through these discussions and the efforts of the Campus Media Board that we will effect a renewed commitment to the campus's Principles of Community, a statement that equally binds us to the rights of free expression and the responsibilities of civility and decency towards all members of our community.

- Robert Franks,

interim vice chancellor, Student Affairs