MEDIA WATCH | ATLANTA BUSINESS CHRONICLE

Bigotry Doesn’t Belong in the Atlanta Business Chronicle

After receiving the below letter, the Atlanta Business Chronicle removed all anti-Scientology content from the offending article.

May 17, 2021

David Allison

Editor

Atlanta Business Chronicle

dallison@bizjournals.com

Dear Mr. Allison:

I write concerning an anti-Scientology slur in Eleanor Ringel-Cater’s article, “Movie Biz.” I am aware of the reputation and journalistic integrity of the Atlanta Business Chronicle and I trust I will have your assistance in getting this gratuitous bigotry removed from the article currently on your website.

In her review of an upcoming film, Ms. Ringel-Cater writes, “Despite Scientology…” an actor “continues to be a star.”

Scientology is a recognized religion in the United States and across the globe, as I am sure you know. We have a beautiful church on Roswell Road whose staff and members are active in the community working to combat drug abuse and illiteracy, educate youth on their fundamental human rights, and restore a moral compass to those who have lost their way. What’s more, during the pandemic, our members in Atlanta distributed more than 13,000 educational booklets to neighbors and local businesses to ensure their community had the information they needed to stay well.

In the face of this, Ms. Ringel-Cater’s anti-Scientology commentary is atrociously out of touch and out of place. It reads no differently than the following hateful statement: “Despite Judaism… Dustin Hoffman continues to be a star.” Such anti-Semitism has no place in any media, nor does gratuitous anti-Scientology bigotry—especially in a well-respected business journal with a reputation to uphold, in a city renowned for its warmth and friendliness.

Thank you in advance for your assistance in getting this matter corrected.

Sincerely,

Bari Berger

National STAND Director