Newspaper apologizes for opinion column

MOSES LAKE - The Columbia Basin Herald apologizes for negative comments made in the "My Turn" column about an experience at Moses Lake High School.

"This newspaper does not agree with or support (reporter) Lynne Lynch's opinions about our public school system," said Publisher Harlan Beagley. "We find it offensive and in no way do we endorse it."

Lynch wrote her opinion about why she was choosing private school over public education in the Moses Lake School District in the weekly "My Turn" column. She included personal observations of a teacher's wardrobe, a staff member's hygiene, two students swearing in a parking lot and the annual salary for a teacher. Lynch said she was trying to illustrate a few areas she perceived as problems. She declined to comment further.

"I support high standards of a good dress code. I think it makes for a better learning environment," said Beagley. "I don't think profane language has any place in our schools, but this was not the way we, as a newspaper, care to address those issues."

Lynch's opinions are not the opinions or editorial stance of the newspaper, said Beagley.

"We've seen the best in our schools," said Beagley. "I helped judge senior projects for Moses Lake High School for four hours last week and saw none of the issues Mrs. Lynch made comments about. We have a great school district."

Lynch's comments were printed in a column that has run for 52 years. It was a column offering the opinions of reporters working for the Columbia Basin Herald newspaper. The topics have ranged from mirthful to introspective.

Reviewing the impact created by publishing Lynch's opinions, the publisher has ended the column indefinitely.

"It was never intended to be a platform for attacking people," said Beagley. "This went beyond our standards for taste."

Criticism from teachers in the Moses Lake School District about the column, Lynch and the Columbia Basin Herald, have been strong. Many took time to write or call Beagley and the management of the newspaper to voice their anger, concerns and disapproval. 

"As many of you have spoken out, I too was outraged by the opinion piece in the Columbia Basin Herald," wrote Moses Lake School District Superintendent Michelle Price. "In dealing with all of our emotion on this, we also must maintain our professionalism. You will have to respond in your own way."

Price said she does not want the district staff and teachers at odds with the newspaper.

"The Columbia Basin Herald has really done a great deal of publicity on the great things in our schools," she wrote. "I am choosing to not do the same thing this reporter did and that is to take one moment in time and let it form my opinion."

Beagley prevented the column from being posted on the newspaper website.

"If I could remove it from our newspaper, I would. But it already printed," he said.

The Columbia Basin Herald has written numerous editorials in support of the school district and provided staff to help with the passage of the last bond levy. 

"We will continue to support the Moses Lake School District," said Beagley. "To have as great of a community as we do, it requires great schools."

Price said she hopes the staff and the newspaper can move forward, beyond the controversy.

"I am proud of our staff. Every day, I am thankful for the professionals that we work with and have within our schools. I'm sorry that we are always under the scrutiny of the public that we serve," wrote Price.   

To contact Beagley or Managing Editor Bill Stevenson, call 509-765-4561 or email them directly at hbeagley@columbiabasinherald.com or editor@columbiabasinherald.com.