When race is relevant in news coverage

By Gerould W. Kern

This week the Chicago Tribune published several news stories and related columns about assaults by groups of youths in the Streeterville area of downtown Chicago. More coverage appears Sunday.

A number of readers have asked why we have not included racial descriptions of the assailants and the victims in these incidents.

We take these matters seriously and reach decisions about them after careful consideration. This is a good opportunity to explain our approach to issues like these.

We do not reference race unless it is a fact that is central to telling the story.

By all indication, these attacks were motivated by theft, not race. Further, there is no evidence to suggest that the victims were singled out because of their race. Therefore we did not include racial descriptions in our initial news reports.

You can read these news reports by clicking on this link.

There are circumstances when race may be relevant, such as describing a criminal suspect being sought by police. But this description must be accompanied by other detailed information, such as height, weight, scars, clothing, etc. By adhering to this practice, we guard against subjecting an entire group of people to suspicion because of the color of their skin.

The story had another dimension: The public discussion that followed the attacks. That did involve race.

Fears about safety on Michigan Avenue, Chicago Avenue and other streets in the Streeterville area fueled an intense discussion online and in neighborhoods, stores and offices across the city.

Tribune columnists John Kass, Mary Schmich and Dawn Turner Trice wrote extensively about fears, perceptions, accusations and assumptions regarding the role of race in these attacks. These commentaries took the temperature of this public debate and put it in context.

We are sensitive to public concerns about safety on the streets of Chicago. We will continue to report on these attacks and the city’s response. At the same time, we will be measured and responsible about introducing racial descriptions into the coverage unless they are clearly pertinent and warranted.