Lennox hearing rescheduled
The scheduled disciplinary hearing for Topinabee junior Dennis Lennox has been moved to Jan. 30.
The meeting, which addresses an Oct. 23 incident concerning Lennox distributing fliers, had to be rescheduled.
"I would hope that this matter would get resolved as soon as possible in a way that doesn't penalize me for exercising my constitutional rights," Lennox said.
Lennox said he hopes officials will not proceed with the hearing, which could result in everything from a written reprimand to expulsion from Central Michigan University.
CMU officials cannot confirm or deny that the hearing will take place.
"Because of privacy laws of students, we are unable to discuss any issues," said Steve Smith, director of media relations.
Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, officials cannot comment on the hearing.
According to a memorandum sent to Lennox from Director of Student Life Tony Voisin, Lennox allegedly violated three sections of the CMU Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities and Disciplinary Procedures.
The memorandum says that section 3.2.2 defines providing false information to a university official, section 3.2.15 defines not identifying oneself to a university agent when asked and section 3.2.32 defines distributing printed materials in violation of the Advocacy Policy.
Voisin said he cannot comment on nor confirm the hearing.
"The university can't comment on whether there are charges or a hearing," he said. "We can't confirm or deny any disciplinary actions that can be taken on a student."
Lennox said before he formally commits to participating in the hearing, he wishes to review all charges against him because he feels the process and details of the hearing documents are purposefully confusing.
"I'm reviewing everything, and I hope it doesn't come to a hearing," he said. "I hope in the next couple days people are going to realize in Warriner Hall that they have taken the wrong action, that they messed up and that they need to stop this."
Lennox said if CMU does penalize or expel him, he will proceed with legal action immediately.
"CMU is trying to censor free speech on this campus, and that's not something I am going to stand for," he said. "Universities have always been a key player in political participation among students, and that's what we have here, students participating in political processes and getting censored from the school."
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