Student who posted threats banned from campus; prosecutor reviewing case
MT. PLEASANT, Mich. (WNEM) – Central Michigan University plans to handle communication protocols following a sequence of regarding feedback made on social media accounts that started Sunday afternoon.
Investigators instructed TV5 Monday there was no indication of an imminent menace. Classes continued as regular.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: CMU investigates concerning comments on social media
In a letter to college students and employees Tuesday, CMU President Neil MacKinnon stated the individual who posted the feedback was a pupil, who has now been banned from campus and might be arrested in the event that they return. MacKinnon stated police have been in touch with them, including once more there is no such thing as a menace to the group.
The investigation has been referred to the Isabella County Prosecutor’s Office for overview.
“We also want to acknowledge that the statements made on social media felt threatening to students, faculty and staff – and that the lack of information from CMU led to confusion and fear,” MacKinnon stated. “Those fears and concerns are understandable, and we should have addressed them more appropriately. We learned a great deal from this incident, and we are reviewing our communications protocols so we can respond more effectively in the future.”
In the letter, MacKinnon acknowledges that CMU Police have protocols for threats, and speaking throughout an emergency, however the college doesn’t have an outlined course of for the way to talk when there’s a notion of fearful habits with out a direct menace, or when there are issues about what will be communicated.
“Those aren’t excuses, and we can do better,” MacKinnon stated. “In the days ahead, a team of university leaders will be meeting to discuss how we assess incidents like this and what we can do to alleviate concerns with accurate and timely information. We appreciate the feedback you have shared with us, and we’ll share our updated communication practices with the university community when they are complete so you know what you can expect from us.”
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