McCorkle sanctioned for article in DIGEST

Because Southern University’s Student Government Association President Justin McCorkle contributed to an article in the March 31 issue of The DIGEST, he has been sanctioned by the student government’s election committee.
McCorkle was formally warned because of the timing of the comments he made in the article discussing his desire to seek reelection as SGA president. Some of the presidential candidates found that McCorkle engaged in preliminary campaigning before the actual date candidates could begin their campaigns. McCorkle is seeking reelection for the 2006-2007 academic year.
“I’m being sanctioned because one of the candidates filed a formal complaint on the article written about me running again,” McCorkle said.
As a result of the article, several candidates and the SGA election commissioner, Kerri Harris, requested a meeting with the editor in chief of The DIGEST, Nikki G. Bannister. According to Bannister, the group wanted “equal coverage,” along with a printed apology from the paper for printing the article.
“I don’t really think they understood the nature of the article,” Bannister said. “Being that Justin is the current president, it is news that he will run again. Our timing does not have to parallel with their campaign; we don’t openly endorse candidates, nor do we show favoritism. Whatever issues they have about him running or making statements should be taken up with Justin and Russell Frazier, their advisor. “I will not apologize for the paper doing its job.” Bannister said.
The candidates alleged McCorkle knew the story would be printed on the same day campaigning begun. Some also alleged he made statements regarding his candidacy before he was allowed to do so, as instructed by campaign protocol. Though repeated attempts were made to reach Harris, she was unavailable for comment.
“They’re saying it was preliminary campaigning even after The DIGEST formally stated I had no knowledge of when the story would run or anything of that nature,” McCorkle said.
According to McCorkle, the sanction will serve as an official warning, which he plans to appeal to the student court.
“I plan on appealing the warning because if I were to accept it, it would be like admitting guilt to something I am not guilty of,” he said. “I was unjustly warned for this offense and I feel that it was an injustice because a warning is a sign that they have found some guilt and I am one hundred percent innocent in this matter.”