A student is considering legal action against Central Michigan University for an alleged violation of his First Amendment rights prior to Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s brief visit to campus Oct. 11.

Midland freshman Dennis Lennox II, along with five other protesters, were gathered outside the IET building an hour before Granholm arrived.

Lennox said he entered the building 15 minutes before the Democratic governor arrived with leaflets in his pocket and a sign that read, “Jennifer: Will you pay my school bill?”

Pat Lichtman, director of media services, “came up to me and prohibited me to be in the building,” Lennox said. “I told her that I had a constitutional right to be here.”

According to university policies, demonstrating may not take place within 25 feet of any window of any classroom or office, within 25 feet of any door of any classroom building or office building, or within 40 feet of any window of any residence hall or university apartment.

Lennox said he is pursuing legal consultation to see if he should sue CMU in federal court for violated his right to freedom of assembly.

“I cannot comment on legal actions,” he said.

Lennox said he was not handing the leaflets out in the building.

Lichtman said Tuesday that she told Lennox he would not be allowed to protest within the building.

“I told him he was free to be outside,” Lichtman said. “I told him that he had every right because of the First Amendment.”

Lennox said the CMU Police Department was called to stop the protest.

Det. Sgt. Jeff Pickler approached Lennox, who claims the officer threatened him with consequences.

“He told my protesters that I would be arrested if I failed to comply,” Lennox said.

Pickler would not comment regarding the incident.

Lennox said two officers stood by him throughout the panel discussion during Granholm’s appearance.

“I was intimidated and could not exercise my democratic right to speak,” he said.

CMU Police Chief Stan Dinius said he was not aware of Lennox nor his alleged intimidation.

“I am not familiar with who was standing by him,” he said. “There were police officers in the building and in the area.”

Dinius said there was only one police officer in the panel discussion and the other officer was a state trooper specifically with Granholm. He said he knew some police officers approached the protesters, but was not familiar with what was said.

“What they said, I don’t know,” Dinius said. “We were there for the safety and security of everyone as well as the governor.”

Lennox sent a letter to University President Michael Rao expressing his concerns. He said he was disappointed when a response came from Dean of Students Bruce Roscoe instead.

“I told him I was not willing to meet with the dean, only with the president,” he said.

Similar concerns over protesting occurred two weeks ago when Missionaries to the Preborn – an anti-abortion group – blocked traffic and handed out pamphlets in university buildings. It was escorted off campus by police.