Posted on 02/13/2008 6:22:11 AM PST by michiganguy
Dennis Lennox II said he filed a formal complaint Monday with the U.S. Department of Education alleging three Central Michigan University faculty violated his rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
Lennox also said he filed a criminal complaint with the Michigan State Police, accusing the faculty members of falsely and maliciously accusing another, malicious annoyance by writing and use of a computer program, computer system or computer network to commit a crime.
Central Michigan Life has obtained copies of the education complaint and e-mails sent by assistant English language and literature professors Jeffrey Weinstock, Allegra Blake and Catherine Hicks Kennard over the English department listserv on Oct. 25, 2007, concerning the Topinabee junior.
Lennox said the departmental listserv includes around 30 people.
"I used to work in mental health, and quite frankly the pattern of behavior we've been witnessing is disturbing and indicates that Mr. Lennox is not only someone with noxious political and social beliefs, but someone who has mental health issues, and someone who seems to be losing control," Blake wrote in the e-mail that began the discussion on Lennox.
Blake claimed in the e-mail she conferred with a neuro-psychologist who recommends not to provoke Lennox, and to not initiate a confrontation of any sort.
"I know we are all furious with Lennox, and despise what he represents - let's face it, a movement that loathes academe and all it stands for," Blake said. "But I do think the above advice is solid and worth considering."
Hicks replied to Blake's e-mail saying, "So you are saying that this kid is dangerous? As in Virginia Tech dangerous? Let's not ignore the warning signs..."
In the Department of Education complaint, Lennox said the e-mails were "leaked" to the political blog outsidelansing.com by an anonymous English professor who was "disgusted by the behavior of these professors."
Lennox said he can't imagine CMU supporting the "despicable actions" of these faculty members.
"Professor Blake and several other members decided to smear my character and integrity and make an unfound accusation," he said.
"I took action. I wasn't going to wait any longer."
Blake could not be reached for comment Tuesday. Hicks, responding to an e-mail from CM Life on Tuesday, referred comment to CMU's General Counsel Eileen Jennings, who then referred comment to Director of Media Relations Steve Smith. Smith said the university was unaware of the filing as of Thursday afternoon.
"We have not heard of this at all yet so we would have to hear from the government bodies he allegedly contacted," Smith said.
Smith said the proper body would have to investigate the issue to check the validity.
Weinstock, contacted Tuesday by phone, said he did not accuse or diagnose Lennox of anything.
"Somebody suggested we need to keep an eye on this kid, and I said if this is true, we need to," he said. "I think faculty would be entirely negligent if they didn't."
During the listserv conversation, Weinstock asked department chair Marcia Taylor, what, if anything, the department should do.
Weinstock on Tuesday said in light of recent school shootings, witnesses always say they ignored the behavioral signs of the shooter.
"Everyone in this university needs to be aware and talk about it," he said. "I applaud the faculty in being aware and alert."
Weinstock said he suspects the Department of Education will dismiss the case.
Lennox said he has no history of mental illness.
"Even if I did, which I don't, they could not talk about it under medical confidentiality laws," he said.
Lennox said this is not something he is going to tolerate.
"The school shooter allegation is the most absurd," he said. "I'm a political science major and I hope to work in the government so this could interfere with my background check."
Lennox said the ordeal has been "an incredible distraction" for him.
"Knowing what my own professors and professors I might have think about me, how can I expect to be treated fair," he said. "It's really frustrating and it's creating a very hostile learning environment for simply raising legitimate questions."
Lennox said CMU is well aware of the e-mails, and had four months to handle the situation.
He said students should support him, regardless of their political views.
"I don't care whether you like me or not - this behavior should sicken you," Lennox said.
Gary Peters could put an end to this whole mess but that would require courage and a respect for the law.
Why should I discourage the free discussion of psychological problems among college students? Look what happened at Virginia Tech.
University Fascists on parade.
I know. I don’t understand why he doesn’t just quit?
Well, based on what I can tell for this circumstance, it was designed to smear a student, who had just made headlines after the boss of these professors assaulted him.
Take a look at http://www.outsidelansing.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=75
Doncha’ just love it when the “smart folks” do something that winds up and really bites them on the a$$!! This is funny!
99% of all University Professors are NOT psychologists, for one. And someone “who used to work in mental health” - what does THAT mean? Mental Health? Are they an MD? If not, she was well over her head.
Usually when such an accusation comes forward it is because someone simply doesn’t share the same beliefs as the statement maker.
In fact, NO ONE is “qualified” in MY opinion to make a statement of “mental health”, period, in particular if they are NOT a board certified, medical doctor with an awful lot of years of psychological background. And I mean A LOT OF YEARS.
It would also be nice if you would not discourage the free discussion of psychological problems among college teachers. I'm sure there are some nut cases preaching leftist garbage at at least a couple colleges and universities.
What’s this all about? What has gotten Lennox into this situation? Is he an aggressive, abrasive anti-abortion advocate? Even the sympathetic person in the link on post #6 suggested that Lennox might be a bit over the top, but does anyone have any specifics?
What specifically are Lennox’s “noxious political and social beliefs”?
These professors should be fired. Call CMU President Rao (989) 774-3131
well, I’m not sure what HIS are, but I’m quite sure what MINE are. lol
I’m trying to figure this out.
99% of university professors are unemployable leeches on society.
Those who can do, those who can’t teach.
I don’t believe that. I was a teacher in a college for awhile. I had other positions too, including in the military at the time. You can’t really say that, and it’s actually completely untrue.
More insight on the situation:
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginawnews/index.ssf?/base/news-25/1202916013170890.xml&coll=9
Maybe you’re the exception to the rule.
After all, Larry Bird could jump.
;-)
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