Dennis Lennox II filed a complaint with the Affirmative Action Office that alleges discrimination against Campus Conservatives by an annual public forum series.

The Topinabee senior said the Speak Up, Speak Out forum committee has repeatedly violated the Nondiscrimination Policy by limiting access and participation to events.

"I was discriminated against and not invited to participate ... because of my political persuasion," Lennox wrote in an e-mail obtained by Central Michigan Life, dated Aug. 21 and sent to Jeannie Jackson, CMU Affirmative Action officer.

Lennox said Speak Up, Speak Out members singled out Campus Conservatives, a registered student organization, and hand-picked which political viewpoints would be represented at past and future forums."

The first fall forum, titled "Un-spin that Sound Bite! Let's Analyze the Campaign" takes place in the Bovee University Center Auditorium at 7 p.m. Sept. 16.

The event is billed as having a "town hall-like meeting" atmosphere, with a request that attendees bring "an open mind and the willingness to participate in democracy at work."

Merlyn Mowrey, Speak Up, Speak Out committee chairwoman, declined to comment on the complaint. Jackson also would not comment.

"I know nothing about it," said Steve Smith, director of media relations. "Any complaint filed with the Affirmative Action Office is done so under the right of privacy of the person filing the complaint. The university would not discuss something like that anyhow."

In her e-mail reply, dated Aug. 29, Jackson told Lennox she was reviewing and researching the issue.

"I would like to meet with you and discuss in detail your concern," she wrote.

The complaint identifies the committee members by name: Associate Philosophy and Religion professor Mowrey, Director of the Multicultural Program Ulana Klymyshyn and Associate Political Science professors David Jesuit, Moataz Fattah, Edward Clayton and Jayne Strachan.

Lennox, who is currently attending the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul as an alternate delegate, declined to comment Tuesday.

Lennox, past president of the Campus Conservatives, has a history of conflict with CMU faculty and staff dating back to 2005, when he was made to leave a building where he was protesting Gov. Jennifer Granholm.

In 2007 he mounted a visible media campaign to pressure Michigan's 9th district Democratic congressional candidate Gary Peters from his university professorship.

Last semester, Lennox was found to have violated the university's Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities and Discipline Procedures following a confrontation with an English professor.

In the complaint, Lennox describes the Campus Conservatives, which is the CMU chapter of Young Americans for Freedom, as a "non-partisan, non-sectarian" organization that is the country's "oldest, largest and most active conservative youth organization."

Each student and employee of CMU has the right to ask the Affirmative Action Office to investigate conduct that violates the university's Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Protocol.

According to the university Web site, the Affirmative Action Office has an initial 21-day inquiry stage before a 45-day investigation. Both parties may request the complaint be dismissed. Sanctions may follow if a violation is found.

Any appeal must be submitted in writing to the president's office within five business days of decision receipt. A committee of three members appointed by the president hears the appeal. Attorneys may be present and the decision is final.

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