NATIONALITY NATIVE AMERICAN/ AMERICAN INDIAN

Ask for specifications when necessary for a story

The Chronicle follows guidance from the Native American Journalists Association: Either is generally acceptable and are used interchangeably, but defer to an individual’s preference. Both terms should be used only to refer to groups—two or more people of different tribal affiliations. Always refer to people by their preferred tribal affiliation when reporting on individuals or individual tribes. Never refer to someone as “an Indian” unless specified explicitly.

OFF THE RECORD/ DECLINE TO COMMENT

Assume all conversations are on the record after you have identified yourself as a Chronicle reporter. If there is an off-the-record or background conversation, make sure the reporter and the source are on the same page and there has been a thorough discussion specifying the terms of the conversation. There are many definitions of off the record and related terms. Following is one set of definitions from the Missouri Group publishers and the Chronicle:

Off the record: You may not use the information. Not for attribution: You may use the information but with no reference as to the source.

Background: You may use it with a general title for a source, for example, “a White House source said on background.” (Make sure you and your source have agreed to this arrangement.)

Deep background: You may use the information, but you may not indicate any source.

Refused/declined to comment: When using such terms, be specific and state exactly what the source refused to discuss. The source may be willing to talk, but just not on one specific issue. This must be clearly explained for your readers.

Anonymous sources: Allowed only in special circumstances and only with the approval of the EIC(s). The EIC(s) must be told the name of the source.

Did not respond: Used when waiting on a quote from a source and you expect you will not hear back before publication time. Before use, you will want to note that there was an attempt to contact made. Ex. “Marcella David did not respond as of publication.

ON/OFF CAMPUS

Hyphenate the phrase only when using it as an adjective. Ex: “On-campus housing applications closed on June 14.”

“The clubs recruited new members at an event held on campus.”