West Virginia University journalism professors strongly supported a colleague who was threatened with contempt of court by a federal judge for refusing to reveal her sources Tuesday.

"As a journalist she's showing a lot of courage," said Bonnie Stewart, an associate professor in WVU's Perley Isaac Reed School of Journalism. "Being able to protect your sources is very critical to what we do as a journalist in seeking and finding the truth. She's holding true to the code of ethics that most journalists adhere to."

Locy's case "is very upfront and personal" for students because they know her and she is part of the school, Stewart said.

"I've used [Locy's case] in my class as an example as to what journalism is all about," she said.

Locy took the Shott Chair of Journalism with WVU in July, said Steve Urbanski, the school's director of graduate studies. She was very upfront and told the school's administration she may have to leave for a hearing or possibly go to jail, he said.

He said the school's faculty and students are rallying behind Locy and are concerned about the outcome of the case.

"We're all behind Toni because she's such an advocate for freedom of information and she's proven that with her outstanding reporting over the years," he said.

"She's an outstanding journalist and an outstanding faculty member here and her stand on freedom of information is an inspiration to all of us," said George Esper, a journalism professor and longtime Associated Press correspondent.

"I think it is very serious any time the government tries to threaten and intimidate, but this won't happen with Toni. She won't allow it," Esper said.

To contact staff writer Veronica Nett, use e-mail or call 348-5113.

West Virginia University journalism professors strongly supported a colleague who was threatened with contempt of court by a federal judge for refusing to reveal her sources Tuesday.

"As a journalist she's showing a lot of courage," said Bonnie Stewart, an associate professor in WVU's Perley Isaac Reed School of Journalism. "Being able to protect your sources is very critical to what we do as a journalist in seeking and finding the truth. She's holding true to the code of ethics that most journalists adhere to."

Locy's case "is very upfront and personal" for students because they know her and she is part of the school, Stewart said.

"I've used [Locy's case] in my class as an example as to what journalism is all about," she said.

Locy took the Shott Chair of Journalism with WVU in July, said Steve Urbanski, the school's director of graduate studies. She was very upfront and told the school's administration she may have to leave for a hearing or possibly go to jail, he said.

He said the school's faculty and students are rallying behind Locy and are concerned about the outcome of the case.

"We're all behind Toni because she's such an advocate for freedom of information and she's proven that with her outstanding reporting over the years," he said.

"She's an outstanding journalist and an outstanding faculty member here and her stand on freedom of information is an inspiration to all of us," said George Esper, a journalism professor and longtime Associated Press correspondent.

"I think it is very serious any time the government tries to threaten and intimidate, but this won't happen with Toni. She won't allow it," Esper said.

To contact staff writer Veronica Nett, use e-mail or call 348-5113.