Café Inquiry (Online) – Are Op-Ed Writers Given a Truthfulness Pass?

This event is held online. (Click the button to join the Zoom meeting.)

FAIR has recently criticized Op-Ed writer Leana S. Wen for presenting statements made by unreliable sources as facts.  In the field of journalism news reporters are held to a very high standard of truthfulness, and fact checking is an essential part of reporting. But what about Op-Ed writers?  Should they be held to the same standard, or are they excused, because they are expressing their opinion? Do Op-Ed writers have an obligation to correct misinformation provided by their sources?

It is accepted that Op-Eds do not reflect the opinions of the publication that prints them.  But does the publication have an obligation to assure that information presented in the Op-Ed is accurate? We will discuss these issues at the next Café Inquiry.

If you would like to see the FAIR critique, follow this link. Here is a link to the original Op Ed, or you can look at this PDF if you don’t have WaPo access. As background, here is a description for aspiring Op Ed writers from the Washington Post. And finally, an Op Ed column advocating moving beyond objectivity in reporting in order to increase the truthfulness in news. The PDF version is here.

Café Inquiry starts with a short introduction of the day’s topic, followed by casual discussion.

This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.

Attendees are able to future propose topics which would align with Michigan Humanist’s purpose: from atheism, agnosticism, humanism, secularism, and freethinking to broader subjects in science and humanities, such as religion, philosophy, social issues, politics, evolution, morality, ethics, and psychology.

Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) meets each month on the second and fourth Sunday.

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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.

Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Critiques on views and claims based on merit are allowed, but not attacks on individuals who hold other perspectives.

Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.