2008 Woodie Awards
Report says tape longer
By: Frank Wisswell
Issue date: 11/12/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 2 next >
The recent release of Interim Affirmative Action Coordinator Barbara Taylor's official internal investigation report has given new insight into the incident between Dennis Lennox II and Pam Gates.
The report, which Central Michigan Life obtained late last week, offers details about the time period of the incident, previous requests CMU officials made to Lennox, and gives Gates' official response.
Lennox, a Topinabee junior, served Gates, interim dean of the College of Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences, with a Freedom of Information Act request on Oct. 15. In a video that made its way to WNEM news and YouTube.com, Gates is seen striking Lennox's video camera.
While the clip online is only 10 seconds long, an unnamed student witness claimed Lennox videotaped for longer.
"(The student) indicates that (Lennox's) camcorder was taping for approximately one to one and a half minutes," the investigation said.
Lennox claimed the 10 seconds of footage was the only record of the incident on his video camera.
"The video is unedited," Lennox said. "It caught the tail end."
The report said Gates did not hit or strike Lennox at any point in the confrontation.
"At some point (Lennox) invaded (Gates') space by stepping toward her, and she reacted by putting her hand out to push away, and she hit his camera," the report said.
Lennox said it's clear from the video that he remained seated the entire time.
"The only evidence there is the videotape," Lennox said.
He said the tape shows Gates above him, indicating that he was seated until Gates asked him to leave.
Lennox said even though Gates never physically touched him, her actions still constitute assault as the camera was attached to his hand.
The report also said university officials told Lennox he did not legally have to deliver his Freedom of Information Act requests personally back in January.
Steve Smith, director of media relations, said a FOIA request can be submitted in person, via mail, e-mail or even in the form of a verbal request. However, Smith said, the best way to submit a FOIA request is through Bob Martin, associate vice provost of Faculty Personnel Services.
The report, which Central Michigan Life obtained late last week, offers details about the time period of the incident, previous requests CMU officials made to Lennox, and gives Gates' official response.
Lennox, a Topinabee junior, served Gates, interim dean of the College of Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences, with a Freedom of Information Act request on Oct. 15. In a video that made its way to WNEM news and YouTube.com, Gates is seen striking Lennox's video camera.
While the clip online is only 10 seconds long, an unnamed student witness claimed Lennox videotaped for longer.
"(The student) indicates that (Lennox's) camcorder was taping for approximately one to one and a half minutes," the investigation said.
Lennox claimed the 10 seconds of footage was the only record of the incident on his video camera.
"The video is unedited," Lennox said. "It caught the tail end."
The report said Gates did not hit or strike Lennox at any point in the confrontation.
"At some point (Lennox) invaded (Gates') space by stepping toward her, and she reacted by putting her hand out to push away, and she hit his camera," the report said.
Lennox said it's clear from the video that he remained seated the entire time.
"The only evidence there is the videotape," Lennox said.
He said the tape shows Gates above him, indicating that he was seated until Gates asked him to leave.
Lennox said even though Gates never physically touched him, her actions still constitute assault as the camera was attached to his hand.
The report also said university officials told Lennox he did not legally have to deliver his Freedom of Information Act requests personally back in January.
Steve Smith, director of media relations, said a FOIA request can be submitted in person, via mail, e-mail or even in the form of a verbal request. However, Smith said, the best way to submit a FOIA request is through Bob Martin, associate vice provost of Faculty Personnel Services.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 10
Eric Cartman
posted 11/12/07 @ 12:57 AM EST
It' obvious lennox has been caught in the wrong this time. It is true that Gates once served as Affirmative Action Coordinator but it has been proven that she has no ties to that department. (Continued…)
Eric Cartman
posted 11/12/07 @ 1:01 AM EST
Dennis lennox was caught! Wow, what kind of world do we live in when those who were wrong are caught and then punished! A just world! Also, there was a witness? Mr. (Continued…)
Eric Cartman
Eric Cartman
posted 11/12/07 @ 1:03 AM EST
It ssucks when your caught
Mike Kelly
posted 11/12/07 @ 1:18 AM EST
Simply amazing. How can someone not forward a copy of the "investigation" to one of the parties involved?
Faculty member
posted 11/12/07 @ 1:20 AM EST
Since when was there an "investigation," Mr. Smith? In an e-mail from President Rao (via Smith) to all faculty members, the school said a "review" was conducted. (Continued…)
Matt Davis
posted 11/12/07 @ 1:21 AM EST
Are they actually implying the video was longer than what was shown? I recall reading in a previous story on the incident that the Police received the video clip. (Continued…)
Neil Konwicki
posted 11/12/07 @ 1:23 AM EST
Talk about a joke. Do you actually think any investigation by a CMU administrator into the actions of another administrator is going to be fair and impartial?
Kelli
posted 11/12/07 @ 8:32 AM EST
CMU has botched this from the beginning. Are they really this inept?
J. David Kerr
posted 11/12/07 @ 8:57 PM EST
Neil Konwicki global criticism of Barbara Taylor's work by referring to "any" investigation "by the administration" has to be made without checking into the facts. (Continued…)
Barb Miller
posted 11/15/07 @ 9:59 AM EST
Barbara Taylor's credibility was damaged when she "investigated" an employee of the affirmative action office.
Post a Comment