As student media, we have great leeway in regard to what we print. However, as representatives of N.C. State University and the Student Media, and as students, we have certain responsibilities, one of which is to maintain a certain standard of professionalism. We have a responsibility to our readers — the students, faculty and staff and members of the surrounding community — to report the most accurate and nonbiased information we can possibly obtain.
To maintain and build our reputation, it is imperative that we strive to print the most professional paper we can, reflective of the higher level of education we are here to attain. We simply cannot allow free rein when deciding what words are fit to print and what words are not.
The Student Media will print “crap,” “hell,” and “damn” only when in quotations in a story from any department and only when absolutely necessary for understanding the concept. Publications will use these words in opinion columns, features stories and commentaries only when the word is necessary for understanding or emphasis of a concept. Excessive cursing as an attempt at humor will not be tolerated.
Media outlets will not print any other words considered profane or obscene. In the case of such a word appearing in a quotation, the word will be edited at the discretion of the editor. If it is decided that the word will remain, only the first letter will be printed, followed by hyphens for each of the remaining letters, i.e., “f—.”
If the word appears in a column, story or commentary by a staff reporter or guest writer, the word will be substituted with an appropriate word or phrase, keeping as close to the writer’s original meaning as possible.
Racial slurs will not be published unless their presence is merited by the content of the story, and in that case, only when the slur appears in a direct quotation and in context.
The editor will have final say regarding all profanity and racial slurs that appear in publication.
See AP Stylebook entry:
obscenities, profanities, vulgarities