On Sept. 19 and again on Sept. 22 the Director of Housing and Residence Life, Courtney Stephens, sent an email to all residents of East Hall reporting cases of vandalism on students’ whiteboards. The first report claimed that “inappropriate language” was written on the whiteboards, while the second vandalism was of “a threatening nature.”
While the Office of Housing and Residence Life as well as Campus Safety declined to comment on any of the incidents because of their ongoing nature, Courtney Stephens stressed in her email that “Those found responsible will be held accountable under the Student Code of Conduct, and will face severe consequences which could include suspension or expulsion.”
This form of vandalism would fall under “Care for Property” in the Student Code of Conduct, which describes the “destroying, defacing, or damaging the property of another” as “prohibited conduct.” Additionally, the “threatening” writing reported on Sep. 22 would fall under “Care for Others” as “Threats of Physical Violence” and “Harassment” are listed as “prohibited conduct” as well.
“As a reminder, it is a shared community responsibility to contribute to a culture that is welcoming, inclusive and safe for everyone. I encourage you to abide by Muhlenberg’s community standards and to hold others accountable to do so as well,” added Stephens in her first email.
This mirrors the language in the Student Code of Conduct that states, “Achieving our educational mission requires that we foster a campus environment that is safe and inclusive and allows for students to maximize their academic and personal potential.”
According to the 2018 College Annual Security Report, reported instances of vandalism dropped to 20 cases in 2017, from 34 instances in 2016 and 32 in 2015.
“Details of an investigation, especially those that involve students, are protected under FERPA and cannot be shared under penalty of law,”
“Details of an investigation, especially those that involve students, are protected under FERPA and cannot be shared under penalty of law,” explains Brian Fidati, Director of Campus Safety/Police.
Fidati could not actually comment on the incident itself. However, while no suspects or other details have been released in this case, Fidati speaks to Campus Safety’s procedures.
“The Campus Safety obligation in incidents such as this are limited to updating the final disposition of the case to either “closed” or “referred.” Closed would mean the investigation concluded with no further action being taken. Referred would mean that the case was referred to the college judicial process” explains Fidati.
If the case is referred, the affected students would go through the “Process and Procedure” outlined in Article VIII of the Student Code of Conduct, which could include sitting before a College Hearing Board or a Disciplinary Conference.
