Here's an odd one. Auburn University, one of the nation's premier academic institutions, put its reputation on the line recently crying for an open debate. Then the spokesperson vomited.
Robert French, speaking on behalf of Dr. Mary Helen Brown and the Department of Communication and Journalism there, threw down the gauntlet a week ago openly taunting the writers of a controversial PR trade publication to "step up to the challenge.”
French said: “Frankly, I don’t care anymore. I will gladly debate the fool(s) in public. But, we all know that it won’t."
Well, here it is. DEBATE THIS FRENCH!! The first topic is “hypocrisy,” i.e. “the practice of professing beliefs, feelings, or virtues that one does not hold or possess; inherent falseness.”
Auburn, French, Dr. Brown... all hold out that they adhere to the highest professional standards. The very nature of the institution is to impart those standards and mold the next generation. That is the explicit mission of the University.
THE INDUSTRY STANDARD
By way of background, here are a few condensed excerpts from the PR Industry Code of Ethics. According to the Public Relations Society of America:
"Each of us sets an example - for each other as well as other professionals - by our pursuit of excellence with powerful standards of performance, professionalism, and ethical conduct. This statement presents the core values of the public relations profession. These values provide the foundation for the Code of Ethics and set the industry standard for the professional practice of public relations. These values are the fundamental beliefs that guide our behaviors and decision-making process. We believe our professional values are vital to the integrity of the profession as a whole.
We provide a voice in the marketplace of ideas, facts, and viewpoints to aid informed public debate. We deal fairly with clients, employers, competitors, peers, vendors, the media, and the general public. We respect all opinions and support the right of free expression. We: Preserve the integrity of the process of communication; Are honest and accurate in all communications; Act promptly to correct erroneous communications for which the practitioner is responsible; and Preserve the free flow of unprejudiced information.
With regard to competition, it is a Core Principle that promoting healthy and fair competition among professionals preserves an ethical climate and fosters a robust business environment. The intent is to promote respect and fair competition among public relations professionals; and to serve the public interest by providing the widest choice of practitioner options.
Finally, it is a Core Principle that open communications fosters informed decision making in a democratic society. We are honest and accurate in all communications. We act promptly to correct erroneous communications for which the member is responsible."
AUBURN'S VERSION
"Today, I look around the PR/Marcom blog world and see so many fawning expressions of true sadness due to Amanda’s departure. It gives me that sensation... you know it. Wait, here it comes again... yes, that taste of vomit in the back of your throat.
You should be especially careful before crawling into bed with the fraud known as Amanda, the real Amanda, the one that slithered in the background during the 18 months of its pitiful life.
This flatulent Amanda character blogger isn’t what you think. Amanda in her best light was and is a childish wimp.
It all confirmed that Amanda (in whatever form) is one sick twisted coward.
If you know how ugly it could be in its blog and comments in the blogs of others, well... you know what I mean. What I’m talking about here is the back channel ugliness that is Amanda.
Amanda, you are frauds. You are cowards. You are punks."
FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS FOR AUBURN
- Are these the values of Auburn? Is the taste of vomit an extension of "Auburn Spirit"?
- Is this taste-of-vomit approach a good example for students? Are French's words a significant part of the curriculum in Department of Communication and Journalism at Auburn?
- Is this indelible association of vomit with the University a part of the school's overall marketing plans?
- Does your president Doctor George Jay Gogue sometimes taste vomit when giving speeches?
We await a formal response from the University.
