“Does an effect of publishing an article need to have anything to do with the primary motivation?”
Not if there are enough facts. In this case there doesn’t seem to be any. Publishing a lie is a serious matter. Most good journals - including those run by presumably bright undergrads - try to avoid going down that path.
“The Maroon informed the public in the way editors deemed most appropriate, and that seems to have had an effect on DU’s behavior.”
- Publishing anything - whether it be a lie or not - is going to impact behavior. That's why responsible editors make responsible decisions. The point of view on this thread is that they were and did anything but.
“I’d pay good money to be a fly on the wall if DU sues, alleging libel.”
- You wouldn't need to. It would be public news, although not sure that the Maroon itself would be on the story.