DISCLAIMER: The following is a private copy of a public document. The Humboldt County M.H.B. is not responsible in any way for this web page.

NOTE: Tom Harkins, a member of the Humboldt County M.H.B., helped write this letter and put it before the Board.

June 3, 1999

Dear Mr. Lelyveld,

At our meeting on May 19, 1999, the Mental Health Board of Humboldt County, California passed a motion to send you this letter of concern. We have always understood the New York Times to be a newspaper with a reputation for printing news in the most objective way possible. Our headline for this letter is

NEW YORK TIMES RUNS AMOK IN ITS LABELING OF THE MENTALLY ILL

The first article that brought this problem to our attention was entitled "Crackdown on Schizophrenics is Urged After Utah Shootings" (April 17). This title is blatantly offensive, misleading and stigmatizing of people with this mental disease. Would you run a headline "Crackdown on Alcoholics Urged After Shooting?" Many more people die each year from alcohol-related violence than at the hands of schizophrenics (and let's not lose the distinction of medicated vs. unmedicated conditions). In fact, most people with schizophrenia are not violent. Please read the enclosed article "Seven Myths of Schizophrenia."

The second headline we are objecting to appeared in the May 18th edition. On the front page it read, "A Picasso is Severely Slashed by a Dutch Mental Patient". Inside, it read "A Picasso is Slashed in a Dutch Museum". Why is it necessary to label the slasher as a mental patient? He is probably a Protestant and maybe a coffee drinker too.

There are many people who are recovering from mental illness and ready to rejoin society. The labeling you do with your headlines makes their effort that much harder. Reluctance to be labeled in this way can also prevent individuals from seeking treatment they need.

We look forward to reading more in the New York Times that gives accurate information and promotes understanding, rather than sensationalizing situations and perpetuating fear.

Sincerely,

Donald J. London