One of the cardinal rules of AP Style (and many other styles, in fact) is that writers should never use “&” in place of “and” unless the ampersand is part of the proper name. For example, “Savannah International Trade & Convention Center” is the proper name. Despite what many write, SCAD’s proper, trademarked name is “Savannah College of Art and Design.” No ampersand. Ever.
Savannah Morning News reporter Arek Sarkissian II has decided, however, that the ampersand works just fine in the college’s name in his cover story on the SCAD student’s death. As a writer who should be using AP Style, he should know better. And was the copy editor asleep?
Yes, I know there are bigger things I should be worrying about, such as the poor student’s family and friends, and what exactly happened anyway. But I don’t know him, them or the circumstances, although it is a very sad story.
I do know AP Style, though. And this blog is devoted to grammar and style. And chickens, of course.
I’m surprised I didn’t find more of that. Perhaps I was distracted by the funnel cake. It was the boys’ first time for that too. Yum … sugary grease …
Observe and report 