Front-page blunder teaches hard lessons: Web-site joke gets WSU newspaper in trouble

An article that appeared last week on the front page of Washington State University's student newspaper, The Daily Evergreen, was supposed to celebrate racial diversity and inform readers that October is Filipino-American History Month.

But instead, an error in the story has caused embarrassment for The Evergreen's student journalists, turned the paper into a national example of plagiarism and poor judgment, and provided unexpected learning opportunities for many on campus.

Carrying the headline, "Filipino-American history recognized," the Oct. 3 story began by describing ceremonies held in Pullman a day earlier to kick off Filipino-American History Month.

Several paragraphs into the piece, however, material copied verbatim from a Web site was included as historical background. A portion of the material was incorrectly translated from Spanish to English.

It read in part: "On Oct. 18, 1857, the first Filipinos landed on the shores of Morro Bay, California, on a Spanish galleon called the Nuestra Señora de Buena Esperanza, which translates to 'The Big Ass Spanish Boat.' "

The correct translation is "Our Lady of Good Hope."

The Web site from which the material was drawn, www.pinoylife.com, posted an explanation Monday, saying the passage was intended to be farcical.

"You know, some people really need to learn that just because something is on the Internet doesn't mean that it is true," the site states. "And this harsh lesson is what The Daily Evergreen newspaper learned."

The error gained national attention, appearing on the Web site of the Poynter Institute, a school for journalists.

Kim Na, 18, the freshman journalism student who wrote the story, said the translation looked suspicious. But Na said she ignored her instincts because the story was the first she had written for The Evergreen and the Web site looked official.

"It was a very, very careless mistake," Na said. "It's a learning experience. I want to apologize to anyone affected by this."

Three other student journalists also reviewed the story. But while the passage was questioned by at least one student editor, no one suggested it be removed because the information appeared on a Web site that appeared to be credible.

T.J. Conrads, The Evergreen's chief editor and one of those who looked at the story, said the error is inexcusable and extremely embarrassing.

"I'm still stunned," Conrads said. "It was an entire breakdown. I didn't think anything like that would ever get in the paper. We need to do a lot more proofing."

Conrads said he had not spoken with the reporter. But he added that if she remains on the staff, she will be reassigned to another beat.

Dave Cuillier, a journalist who is The Evergreen's editorial advisor, said staff members are accepting responsibility. The paper ran a rare front-page apology and retraction.

Evergreen editors and reporters also are meeting with student groups representing Filipino-Americans, Hispanics and Spanish speakers, Catholics and others.

"A lot of the people are chuckling about it because it's such a flagrant mistake," said Cuillier. But "there are a lot of people out there who would like to see some heads roll."

While that's understandable, Cuillier said, he points out that this episode also provides WSU faculty and staff with an opportunity to impart knowledge to students, especially those on the newspaper staff.

"They're learning, and they're learning humility and how to serve the readers best. I think they've handled them well."

Robert Marshall Wells: rwells@seattletimes.com.