Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications on Friday joined a dozen other schools in condemning Sinclair Broadcast Group for requiring anchors nationwide to read a scripted statement accusing other outlets of spreading “fake news.”

Lorraine Branham, dean of the Newhouse School, signed the letter, along with deans and department chairs of schools at the University of Maryland, University of Southern California and The George Washington University, among others.

“Ironically, Sinclair’s use of news personnel to deliver commentary — not identified as such — may further erode what has traditionally been one of the strongest allegiances in the news landscape, the trust that viewers put in their local television stations,” the letter read.

Sinclair has come under scrutiny in recent weeks after CNN reported the national broadcasting company would require anchors on its nearly 200 stations to deliver a scripted statement accusing other outlets of running biased and false stories. The statement also accused media outlets of trying to control “exactly what people think.”  

Branham, along with leaders at other schools, said in the letter some students who believe in ethical and unbiased news reporting are now apprehensive about future employers’ demands.

“We would like to be able to continue to enjoy the relationship we have had with Sinclair, which provides our students with important opportunities to advance their careers while maintaining their journalistic integrity,” the leaders said in the letter.

Michael Benny and Allison Bybee, two anchors at the Sinclair-owned CNY Central, read the script last month, Syracuse.com reported. Benny said he was never threatened with consequences for refusing to carry the statement. He said he believed “the heart of the message,” according to Syracuse.com.