Personally, I benefit a lot from the press here at the university that promotes my work. I just did a quick search on myself and found flattering media releases, as well as links to my work and other op-eds like this one. Moreover, it’s easy to find really great news on our website and newsletters, both because there’s a lot of great news to report and there’s a concerted effort to put this out into the world.

Because of that effort, I imagine many at Weber State aren’t resonating with the “all press is good press” mantra right now.

There are the items we don’t promote but get press anyway. Recent reporting from The Salt Lake Tribune and KSL highlights the case of an author who declined to accept an invitation to present at our campus because they were informed of policies that, in part, dissuade them from using words such as “bias” or “oppression,” or talking about diversity, inclusion and equity. I know lots of us who would refuse those conditions, and in the case of this writer with Native American roots and work promoting the representation of indigenous communities, it’s easy to see why the agreement would be a nonstarter.

You won’t see this in a campus press release because it isn’t what people doing their jobs should want to highlight. That article, and others that have covered the canceling of a conference on censorship — after faculty presenters objected to being censored — are acknowledged but not celebrated. When outside media catches on to such issues, it’s a striking diversion from our brand. It’s embarrassing. Reporters have revealed some truths that paint the institution in an unkind shade, purple with blemishes.

In spite of this, I still think this is all “good press.” Good press exposes real wrinkles and stumbles. It holds us accountable. And, it can pull out interesting and important details. The university celebrates awards that I don’t normally highlight and some notable projects that help educators and community — important releases because these aren’t obvious. And, in parallel, a good reporter might ask more questions and dig into more details that don’t fit into a couple hundred words.

Accountability and details are important. Faculty like me have to be transparent in the work we do, the programs we run and the classes we teach. We provide annual accounting of our work, and even tenured faculty are held to standards for high levels of teaching, scholarship and service. We provide public records of syllabi for required courses. All this keeps me accountable to the institution, the state and you.

I think it’s important that you know some other details as well. We, instructors at a public, open enrollment institution, sign up for and embrace a vocation in which we welcome all students. Anyone fortunate enough to work here joyfully accepted a job that is dedicated to teaching students and serving a broader community. Seeing the rolls of my class filling for spring semester, I see a diverse class of learners with a range of physics backgrounds — from zero to particle accelerator aficionados — and a range of majors, cultural backgrounds, genders, physical abilities, neurodiversity, countries of origin, testing accommodations, and so on. It’s a beautiful space to work in, and my experience is richer because of what students will bring to the class. I’m a better teacher for having the chance to work with all of these learners, and I’m here to teach all of them.

Weber State does a lot of admirable things, spearheaded by a lot of well-intentioned faculty and staff. In our press releases you can see some, but not all, of the very best of this: lives changed, community engaged, goals achieved. And, from my personal perspective, sometimes we stumble, as any major organization will.

I believe the institution has a responsibility to correct its course as it includes all our diverse students and community in equitable ways. I get to say this here in a space where I represent my own views and expertise as an educator and a scholar in science education. I’m privileged to have this outlet. I think it’s good press.

Adam Johnston is a professor of physics and director of the Center for Science and Mathematics Education at Weber State University, where he helps prepare future teachers and supports educators throughout Utah. This commentary is provided through a partnership with Weber State. The views expressed by the author do not necessarily represent the institutional values or positions of the university.