The Daily Collegian has misrepresented to its readers information concerning federal questions about overhead research charges at Penn State.

Being a former reporter and editor myself, I understand that the media have a difficult task reporting complex stories in headlines and soundbytes, particularly on very short notice. But so much is at stake here that your readers deserve the most thorough reporting of this possible.

First, there is no evidence of a "scandal" as your editorial charges.

Since the federal government has not told any of your reporters what they allege Penn State inappropriately charged, is it not a tad early to be criticizing the University?

This only serves to fuel the opinion of some that the Collegian often displays a "guilty as charged, don't confuse us with the facts" attitude.

Although three weeks have passed since the announcement of these overcharges was made, the Collegian still has not told its readers what the alleged overcharges are in this "scandal."

A cover-up by the Collegian? No, not at all. They simply do not yet have any idea what is involved in this story. That's why readers have not been given details.

University officials, similarly, have reported that they have not been informed what the $6.4 million in question is all about.

Why then, some people might ask, did the Collegian condemn the University so quickly in an editorial before any facts are available?