MNSPJ condemns vandalism of Worthington Globe employee’s car

The Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists Board of Directors has issued the below statement in support of the Worthington Globe staff in their ongoing coverage of issues affecting their community, which should be done without fear or retribution.

“The Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists condemns the vandalism of a Worthington Globe employee’s car late last year with homophobic messages, which appear to be connected to the paper’s reporting on the display of pride flags in public schools. Journalists are essential to American democracy — from school boards to state capitols to Congress — and must be able to do their work free from intimidation and harassment in order to keep the public informed. We admire Worthington Globe editor Julie Buntjer’s commitment to ‘not be swayed by veiled threats, nor back down from covering an issue that is so obviously important.’ We support the Worthington Globe newsroom and hope law enforcement can hold those responsible for this abuse accountable.”