The Daily omits physical descriptions, including race, from its coverage when it cannot be used to identify a specific individual. Not doing so perpetuates stereotypes and alienates large groups of innocent people, according to Thursday’s editorial. As two dissenters of the editorial’s position, we feel The Daily’s practice must be revised.

We are in the business of publishing facts as a public service, and part of that job is to improve public safety. To aid in the capture of these criminals, The Daily must publish as much information as possible.

Concerning the perpetuation of stereotypes, race in this example is merely skin color, a fact provided by the victims of the crime. Any other inference based on that fact would be irresponsible on the part of the reader.

The Daily should not make a practice of including race in all stories. The color of one’s skin should only be included when it is a salient part of the story. When a person is arrested, the color of his skin is not pertinent, as he is no longer on the street. The perpetrators in last week’s assaults are still at large, however, and any physical description — including skin color — would aid in their capture.

The Daily’s bout of self-righteousness is irresponsible to the public and sacrifices public safety for the sake of political correctness.

Photo Editor Kelvin Ma is a Medill senior. He can be reached at [email protected]. Online Editor Jim Martinho is a Medill junior. He can be reached at [email protected].