Answer

Headlines such as NEGRO HOUSEMAN ARRESTED AS MRS. LOGAN'S MURDERER (which was spread across Page One of the New York Sun recently) pose a question which has long disturbed thoughtful newsmen. The question: when should a criminal's race be mentioned in print? Negroes point out that no paper even in the Negro press ever prints a headline like WHITE KILLER HELD.

Last week the New York Times took a long look at the problem, came up with an editorial stand against "extending Jim Crowism to the printed page . . . [which helps] build up the bad moral climate which does encourage violence among the ignorant, the weak and the vicious." Said the Times: "[In crime stories] Negroes are often identified, whereas members of other races are not. This may seem a small thing. The Negroes do not think so. . . .

"This consideration has led us to adhere to the rule that the race of a person suspected or accused of crimes shall not be published unless there is a legitimate purpose to be served thereby.

"By this we mean that it is correct to refer to race when the accused is still at large and race seems one mark of identification. It is also correct when, as in the case of race riots or racial antagonisms, it becomes essential to the understanding of the news.

"In view of difficulties under which the Negro labors," the Times will inconsistently single out as Negro "artists or others whose achievements are a matter of pride to all of us. . . ." Concluded the Times: "News that encourages racial discrimination may sometimes be of interest, but responsible journalism has a higher law than a passing interest."

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