Education vs. Privacy

After reading the Tatge case featured on Jim Romensko's blog, I was not completely sure on whose side I agreed with. However, as a professor myself, it is clear that Mark Tatge did nothing wrong, or unethical in his teachings. For a class titled Investigative Reporting Techniques, it is obvious that some research is necessary. Since all criminal records are public knowledge, why not use a public criminal record of student attending the university?

Student Alison Stephens

It is understandable that Alison Stephens and her close friends would be slightly angered by Professor Tatge's tactic, however he did absolutely nothing wrong.  It was a simple way to show the seriousness of having a criminal record, and that public knowledge actually is just that- public knowledge and is available to EVERYONE. It is unfortunate that Ms. Stephens now admits to feeling uncomfortable and embarrassed to walk around campus, however that is due to her own actions, not Mr. Tatge. 

Mark Tatge

It is truly surprising that Mr. Tatge is not receiving any support from his administration, when he did nothing unethical and if anything should be praised for teaching these students a valuable lesson. Not only are criminal records public knowledge, but these students now understand that they need to edit their tweets, and posts on Facebook, or make their profiles private to avoid embarrassment, or other situations as this one. 
To read more about this story, check out Romensko's blog, titled "A Blog About Media and Other Things I'm Interested In," by clicking here and decide for yourself if Tatge's actions were appropriate or not.