A new low for journalists

Have a journalism degree? Want a writing job real bad? Maybe you should learn how to use a taser.

Then you might be qualified to work at Washington D.C.'s American University. Observe a recent job listing (emailed via Alison Hewitt, former Star News journalist and friend of the blog). The job is for someone to write marketing materials:

To apply: Provide a resume and the following writing sample to demonstrate your abilities. (This is the type of thing we'll ask you to write, so if this doesn't interest you at all, you shouldn't apply) Draft an email that we could send to a student that has taken several courses at our college, but who has withdrawn, encouraging that student to come back and continue her studies.

So far, so good. But here is the part where you might want to have prepared by taking a class in using Mace:

The twist: while you are writing copy you will also fill the role of security guard, working 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. We will buy your uniform. You won't carry a gun. Applicants must be able to pass a drug screen as well as a criminal background check. The security guard spends most of the shift seated at the reception desk, and there will be very minimal security duties. Practically the entire shift you will be able to focus on writing copy - you'll just happen to be wearing a uniform.

Sure, it is all about focusing on writing copy.... until, of course somebody refuses to provide university ID in a library or asks an obnoxious question to a former presidential candidate.