Rolling Stone asks Columbia Journalism School to review its rape article

Rolling Stone has asked the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism to investigate its editorial mishaps in reporting an article about an alleged rape.

The now-infamous feature by Sabrina Rubin Erdely described the alleged gang rape of "Jackie" at a University of Virginia fraternity party. After The Washington Post found inconsistencies in Jackie's story, Rolling Stone issued an apology on Dec. 5, though it has not fully retracted the article.

Columbia Journalism School will conduct an independent review into Rolling Stone's editorial and reporting process, according to a statement from Rolling Stone editor and publisher Jann S. Wenner. The investigation will be led by Steve Coll, the journalism school's dean, and Sheila Coronel, the dean of academic affairs. The pair will evaluate "the editorial process that led to the publication of the story."

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Sign up

When the review is complete, Rolling Stone will publish the entire report on its website and will publish excerpts in its print magazine.