Times Leader Uses Inaccurate and Inflammatory Tactics
 

The Diocese of Scranton is publicly objecting to an inaccurate and inflammatory headline published by the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader newspaper.

The headline, “Diocese fires man who led union push,” appears above an article in the June 10, 2008 edition. The article concerns the staffing of Diocesan Catholic schools and the fact that teachers will be laid off at the conclusion of this school year.

One of the eight teachers being laid off is Michael Milz, president of the Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers.

Contrary to what the accusatory headline charges, this has absolutely nothing to do with his involvement in the union. Mr. Milz is being laid off because, due to declining enrollment, fewer teachers are needed in the social studies department at Holy Redeemer High School, and there are other teachers in that department who are ahead of Mr. Milz in seniority.

Mr. Milz has not been “fired,” and no one else has been “fired.” The layoffs were determined strictly according to the criteria used in previous years. There were no other factors involved.

Moreover, if additional positions are needed due to attrition or enrollment increases between now and the beginning of the school year, teachers who have been laid off will receive first consideration for these openings.

So the use of the term “fired,” especially in the headline, is particularly egregious, not only because it is false, but also because of the sensitive circumstances regarding teacher staffing and the ongoing dispute between SDACT and the Diocese.

This is another example of the Times Leader substituting sensationalism for journalism, especially when it comes to coverage of the Catholic Church and the Diocese of Scranton.