I am writing in response to Herb Gulliford’s letter to the editor. Gulliford has two main problems with the way I reported his encounter with Karl Ward: that I wrote that he “came forward” with his story and that I wrote that he told me he was “abused.”
When a person goes on the record in the media, it is appropriate to write they came forward. I called Gulliford, just like I called the four other men who also opened up publicly about the issue.
Sexual abuse is generally defined as unwanted sexual contact. Gulliford wrote that he did not perceive that he was abused by Ward. In reference to Gulliford, I wrote that “another man told the CVN…that he was also abused.” Mr. Gulliford, I apologize that I misrepresented your view of the situation. I believe Ward’s behavior toward students, regardless of age, was abuse and I chose to use that word in the context of that behavior.
I am responding to his letter because I think it calls my credibility into question. As a reporter, credibility is essential to the job. I would have failed to report the Ward story if sources felt I lacked credibility. I stand by my reporting and the language I used. I’m sorry, Herb, if aspects of what I wrote offended you or misrepresented your story.
Gulliford and I spoke on the phone regarding his letter and my planned response to it. We engaged in a friendly, civil conversation. I want to thank him again for speaking with me for the story and about his letter.
Kyle Clayton, CVN Owner