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CMU to hold secret expulsion hearing
By punch bowl | February 28, 2008
After refusing to hold an open, fair and transparent disciplinary hearing earlier this afternoon for a student opposed to Gary Peters teaching while running for Congress, Central Michigan University administrators are now saying a tribunal will meet behind closed doors without the accused student present and able to defend himself against charges that could expel him.
Students Against Gary Peters spokesman Dennis Lennox is facing three student code charges for distributing a student newsletter with editorial content critical of Peters in October.
CMU Assistant Dean of Students Anthony Voisin delayed a hearing today because the school did not want Lennox videotaping the tribunal. Today was the fourth time administrators have scheduled a hearing – previous attempts were postponed after an outcry from students, alumni, taxpayers and state legislators.
The ACLU has warned the school it can’t ban videotaping from campus, and there is no provision in student code regulations that prohibit recording during hearings.
“CMU is denying me the opportunity to defend myself and clear my name in this ridiculous and unfortunate situation,” said Lennox. “I don’t understand why they continue to take such extreme measures aimed at shielding Gary Peters from legitimate questions.”
CMU spokesman Steve Smith and a detective from the campus police were present at today’s hearing, observing it from an adjoining room. Steve told media that Lennox “will not be allowed to attend the next hearing.”
Lennox testified before the state Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education last week, asking senators to delay any increase in funding to CMU until questions about Peters are answered.
He has also filed a formal complaint with the U.S. Department of Education after faculty violated his federal student privacy rights by sending e-mails alleging he was “Virginia Tech dangerous” and mentally ill because he holds “noxious [conservative] political and social beliefs.”
The CMU tribunal could expel Lennox if it finds he violated the student code.
Topics: Dennis Lennox, Gary Peters should choose, Gary Peters |
February 28th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Go Dennis, go.