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Correction and an apology to S.C. teachers: Headline was wrong
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A headline on the front page of today’s Anderson Independent-Mail was grossly inaccurate.
The headline should have said “25 percent of disciplined S.C. teachers accused of sex offenses.” Unfortunately, the word “disciplined” was left out, completely changing the meaning of the headline.
The story, written by a reporter for The Associated Press, clearly stated that nearly one quarter of all South Carolina teachers disciplined by the state for misbehavior during a five-year period were accused of sex-related misconduct.
The story said 422 teachers were investigated by the state for some type of disciplinary action from 2001 to 2005, and 99 of them — or roughly 23 percent — were involved in some type of sexual misconduct.
That’s 99 teachers out of 53,000 educators who work with children in South Carolina.
The headline, written by a copy editor/page designer for the Independent-Mail, falsely implied that 25 percent of 53,000 educators are sex offenders. That would mean that approximately 13,000 educators are sex offenders.
Instead of one out of four, the frequency is one out of 530.
Obviously, this was an inexcusable, careless mistake, and the Independent-Mail apologizes to all teachers and all readers for the error.
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This was ridiculous to say the least. I expect you received more than a few calls from insulted educators. Good that you responded with a timely correction, just be sure you have something on the front page tomorrow.
This type of error is inexcusable. The front page goes through too many checks for something this inaccurate to be allowed to slip through.
I hope that tomorrow's front page, above the fold line, carries an appology to the teachers of South Carolina and that it doesn not get buried inside the paper like most corrections.
T Burgess
I cannot believe someone did not catch this error. If you don't make the apology a front page headline, much harm will be done to teachers in the area. Parents will distrust teachers, and some will use this as an excuse to let their kids off the hook when they do wrong. Also, it will open up an opportunity for some to use a sexual allegation against an innocent teacher because of the hysteria this might cause. Many people just read headlines when it comes to education. Please make this a front page apology with a short compact explanation that the common man is likely to read.
Jack King
Piedmont
Please, people. Everyone makes mistakes. Give them a break. If you would have read the article, you would have realized the mistake. There are way too many things out there to get upset about. Don't let a typo get to you. Get over it!
I did gasp and become furious when I saw the headline. However, I do know mistakes happen, and I do appreciate that the correction was made and apology given. It makes a difference.
I think most people already view Independent Mail as a tabloid / entertainment type newspaper. It is doubtful that no one noticed the error prior to distribution. I like reading my news from Independent Mail & theonion.com. They are both great sources of news worthy content.
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