After more than five decades shaping student journalists at East Los Angeles College (ELAC), Jean Stapleton has retired, closing a significant chapter in the community college’s journalism program. Stapleton served as the chair and sole full-time instructor in ELAC’s journalism department, where she advised the student-run newspaper Campus News, a publication with a storied history dating back 81 years.
Stapleton’s career at ELAC was marked by notable achievements as well as periods of controversy. Under her guidance, Campus News earned several prestigious honors, including the 2015 General Excellence Award and the Mark of Excellence Award from the Society of Professional Journalists. She also mentored numerous students who went on to prominent journalism careers, including Steve Padilla of the Los Angeles Times, former Times and Washington Post art director Susana Sanchez, Eastsider publisher Jesus Sanchez, and Associated Press reporter Dorany Pineda.
Her tenure coincided with an era of significant challenges for journalism, as print media faced disruption from 24-hour cable news and expanding social media platforms. Stapleton emphasized the importance of holding campus and community authorities accountable, encouraging investigative reporting and thorough editorial practices among her students.
One of the most significant journalistic moments under Stapleton’s advisement came in February 1988, when Campus News uncovered a major scandal involving Hal Mintz, then chairman of ELAC’s business department. The investigation revealed that Mintz’s West Hollywood massage parlor had its license revoked following reports of sex-related offenses occurring on the premises. Additional findings showed Mintz had been improperly using the college’s address for personal business purposes. The story led to Mintz pleading no contest to charges including conspiracy to maintain a house of prostitution and tax evasion.
However, Stapleton’s commitment to press freedom brought professional challenges. In 1988, Campus News published a leaked transcript indicating that the student body president was ineligible for the position. The story sparked backlash from campus and district officials. In May 1989, ELAC administrators transferred Stapleton against her will to Pierce College and demoted her from department chair to instructor, a move justified by district officials as being “for the good of the school.” Stapleton fought the decision with support from the teachers’ union and returned to ELAC in early 1990.
Reflecting on her impact, former ELAC student Christopher Yee credited Stapleton with inspiring his journalism career. Initially unconcerned with pursuing journalism, Yee was encouraged to enroll in the program, eventually serving as Campus News editor-in-chief in 2011. He praised Stapleton’s rigor in teaching Associated Press style and news judgment, underscoring her role in preparing students for professional careers in the field.
Stapleton acknowledged the breadth of responsibilities and challenges that remain for her successor, who has yet to be named. “This is going to be someone’s project and it’s a big and important one,” she said in a recent interview, emphasizing the ongoing need to uphold the standards she championed for decades.