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	In Wake of Allegations, Students Worried over University Reputation Readers Say Spectator Coverage Was Sensational By Katie Farden The Spectator January 14, 2009 http://media.www.su-spectator.com/media/storage/paper948/news/2009/01/14/News/In.Wake.Of.Allegations.Students.Worried.Over.University.Reputation-3586214.shtml WED., NOV. 14, 8:32 P.M.--Senior nursing major Bessie Sycip was surprised to see a text message from her roommate early this morning. "Check your e-mail now," it said. Following her roommate's instruction, she opened her inbox and read a university-wide e-mail The Spectator sent all undergraduates late Tuesday night. The e-mail contained a link to Joshua Lynch's article, which reported that Seattle University President Stephen Sundborg, S.J. was named a defendant in a lawsuit filed Tuesday in an Alaska superior court. Those filing the suit accuse Sundborg of covering up acts of sexual abuse against Native Alaskan youth. "I walked by Fr. Sundborg today, and it felt so strange," Sycip said. "Normally I would think 'oh it's Fr. Sundborg' and say 'hi,' but today I felt guarded." Other students were in disbelief when they learned of the allegations. "At first I thought the e-mail was a joke," said Sarah Osellame, freshmen psychology major. "I really didn't know whether to believe it or not." Sio Bhan Boyle, freshmen biology major, said she felt she needed more details on the case. "I would definitely like more information," she said. "I really don't think people should be jumping to conclusions." Others said that if the allegations turned out to be true, it would change their view of Sundborg. "I'm thankful that he is not alleged as an actual perpetrator, but with all the reports in the past few years of priests abusing kids, I really do not know what to think," said Matt Fedock, senior digital design major. "My perception of him has sort of diminished," Fedock added. Fedock added, however, said that if Sundborg denied the allegations, he would likely believe the university president. "I guess I have too much faith in people," he said. "But if he did deny it, I guess I'd believe him." Sundborg sent an e-mail to all undergraduates Wednesday evening stating that the allegations against him are false. Others thought regardless of whether or not Sundborg was involved in the cover-up, the allegations might still harm his reputation. "I think it would be a shame if his position as a president were to be jeopardized," said Claire Collins, a liberal studies and French major. "I don't think that is what the school needs right now." "It seems kind of sensationalist," Collins added. "I don't really think it is worth publicizing." In fact, many have questioned The Spectator's breaking news coverage, and in particular, a headline on the e-mailed story. Some students said the headline insinuated that Sundborg could have sexually abused some of the victims. "The headline is completely misleading," said Dale Knudsen in an e-mail to The Spectator. "I realize that the Spectator might want to get some press on it, and I appreciate the fact that the news is able to spread so quickly, but I feel like there was no time for Fr. Steve to respond or any time to be given for him to even be made known of the allegations." Others expressed concern that the allegations against Sundborg might harm the image of the university. "No matter how tenuous the evidence may be, the fact is that the content of the story is going to affect the way people see Seattle U," said Hayden Harvey, sophomore philosophy and psychology major. Taylor Hinderer, freshmen math major, also worried the allegations against Sundborg might influence the way Seattle U is perceived. "I do not want the school's reputation to be lower because of him," she said. Still Hinderer said it was important that updates in the story were reported. "This is definitely not something we should keep quiet," she said.
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