Bias in News Articles

Bias in News Articles:

Purpose: To criticize Yale University by reporting a lawsuit that is being challenged in court.

Devices:

- Connotative Diction: "...to avoid negative press" has connotations that Yale University is attempting to suppress an issue in order to uphold its status as an Ivy League school. Though this phrase in the title is very clear and negative, it is the major problem that is defined through the source., thus making it a noteworthy addition for the title of the article.

- Use of Pathos: "she was involuntarily held for treatment and eventually removed from campus after seeking counseling for depression..." This quote makes the viewer feel sympathy for the women in the article. She writer uses a strong statement "...removed from campus after seeking counseling for depression..." This makes the reader angry at the institution that so unthoughtfully sent the student away.

Use of Ethos: The ethics of public image are questioned in this article. The writer makes clear the allegations that Yale sent the student away due to her medical status in order to preserve its public image. "...administrators wanted to avoid further damaging publicity..." This quote shows the alleged intent behind the decisions that were made by the Yale University administrators.

Bias Through Word Choice: This article uses loaded words such as "damaging," "illegally," and "negative press" to convey a negative atmosphere. These words are all directed at the actions of Yale University in their removal of the student. Other phrases like "violated her constitutional rights" allow for a political discussion over the matter. This quote can engage a different audience in the conversation regarding the ethics of Yale's actions.

Bias Through Omission: This source does not use any quotes from the Yale University Administration regarding the law suit. Furthermore, the article instead uses states that "A Yale Spokeswomen declined to comment..." to advance the purpose. In making clear that the Yale Spokeswomen declined to comment, it makes the accused institution appear suspicious and possibly guilty of the crime that it is being accused of. A quote from the victim's lawyer is used, ""This was not done to assist this young woman," De Groot told the student newspaper. "This was done to protect (Yale's) own image from being tarnished."" This quote is an example of an aggressive emotional response to the crime, that allows the purpose of the audience to be ever clearer. Throughout the entire article, the author does not include any response to the situation from Yales perspective.