2008 Woodie Awards
Lennox gets reprimanded, files appeal
By: Angie Favot
Issue date: 3/12/08 Section: News
In response to a university reprimand, Topinabee junior Dennis Lennox II filed an appeal Monday via e-mail moving for an immediate dismissal of the charges.
A university official reprimanded Lennox after he was found in violation of three sections of the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities and Discipline Procedures on March 4.
CMU Conduct Proceedings Officer and Assistant Director of Student Life Thomas Idema e-mailed Lennox on March 4 stating he violated section 3.2.2 providing false information to a university official, section 3.2.15 not identifying oneself to a university agent when asked and section 3.2.32 distributing printed materials in violation of the Advocacy Policy from an Oct. 23 incident involving English Language and Literature professor Peter Koper.
"The university hopes in the future you will abide by the CMU Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities and Discipline Procedures," the letter of reprimand said. "More specifically, you will identify yourself correctly to university officials when asked to do so; you will be truthful in the information you provide to university officials; and you will adhere to all university regulations including the University Policies and Procedures Affecting Advocacy Activities."
The letter of reprimand outlined the right to appeal and Lennox had to appeal within five days, excluding Saturday and Sunday.
The Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities and Disciplinary Procedures 5.4.2 lists an Appeal Board which consists of the Student Government Association President or designee, the chairperson of the Academic Senate or designee and the Dean of Students or designee.
Section 5.4.12 states the appeal board must hear the appeal within 15 business days from the date the appeal is made.
Central Michigan Life obtained a copy of Lennox's appeal, which consists of three components. Lennox said his family attorney and other lawyers assisted him.
First, he argues the closed meeting was in violation of the Open Meetings Act. However, Director of Student Life Tony Voisin said in an interview Friday that student disciplinary hearings are private hearings, so the Open Meetings Act does not apply.
A university official reprimanded Lennox after he was found in violation of three sections of the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities and Discipline Procedures on March 4.
CMU Conduct Proceedings Officer and Assistant Director of Student Life Thomas Idema e-mailed Lennox on March 4 stating he violated section 3.2.2 providing false information to a university official, section 3.2.15 not identifying oneself to a university agent when asked and section 3.2.32 distributing printed materials in violation of the Advocacy Policy from an Oct. 23 incident involving English Language and Literature professor Peter Koper.
"The university hopes in the future you will abide by the CMU Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities and Discipline Procedures," the letter of reprimand said. "More specifically, you will identify yourself correctly to university officials when asked to do so; you will be truthful in the information you provide to university officials; and you will adhere to all university regulations including the University Policies and Procedures Affecting Advocacy Activities."
The letter of reprimand outlined the right to appeal and Lennox had to appeal within five days, excluding Saturday and Sunday.
The Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities and Disciplinary Procedures 5.4.2 lists an Appeal Board which consists of the Student Government Association President or designee, the chairperson of the Academic Senate or designee and the Dean of Students or designee.
Section 5.4.12 states the appeal board must hear the appeal within 15 business days from the date the appeal is made.
Central Michigan Life obtained a copy of Lennox's appeal, which consists of three components. Lennox said his family attorney and other lawyers assisted him.
First, he argues the closed meeting was in violation of the Open Meetings Act. However, Director of Student Life Tony Voisin said in an interview Friday that student disciplinary hearings are private hearings, so the Open Meetings Act does not apply.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 9
Journalist
posted 3/12/08 @ 7:51 AM EST
Under Michigan law, any business conducted by a public agency (including universities) in violation of Open Meetings Act is null and void. The school will lose a suit in Circuit Court for violating the Open Meetings Act if one is ever filed. (Continued…)
Tyler
posted 3/12/08 @ 8:55 PM EST
Lennox needs kicked out of CMU.
http://img120.imageshack.us/my.php?image=actjbgj32fso7.gif
Lillian Cummings
posted 3/13/08 @ 4:04 PM EST
This is horrible news. Why do the Administrators keep going after this student? Haven't they learned a lesson? You can't stop him; he's too political and too well connected, and he's not the typical undergrad. (Continued…)
Melissa
posted 3/18/08 @ 5:05 PM EST
I guess I don't get the big deal. He got reprimanded. He did something wrong and was told not to do it again. Just as a small child would if he touched something they shouldn't have. (Continued…)
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