Panic continues: Ebola fear leads UGA to cancel Liberian journalist’s visit
he Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The University of Georgia cancelled the Oct. 23 guest lecture of an award-winning Liberian journalist after concerns were raised that it could expose students and the campus community to the Ebola virus.
Wade C.L. Williams was to set to deliver the McGill lecture to talk about her experiences covering the Ebola crisis. An editor for Front Page Africa, a news website and newspaper in Monrovia, Liberia, she works in one of the hardest hit West African countries with close to 2500 deaths reported this year from the virus.
On Oct. 13, the university touted her upcoming visit, co-sponsored by the journalism school, on its website. But just days later, in the face of concerns from parents and the public, UGA announced her trip would be postponed and the McGill lecture would be delivered by Washington Post reporter Todd Frankel. Frankel covered the Ebola crisis earlier this year.
The university issued a statement saying the change was out of an abundance of caution.
“She was disappointed but greatly understanding,” said Charles N. Davis, dean of the Grady College. “We will have her here after the crisis is over. We are deeply dedicated and committed to learn from her perspective.”
http://www.ajc.com/news/news/ebola-fear-leads-uga-to-cancel-liberian-journalist/nhm7Z/