College responds to report
Allison Ehrenreich
Issue date: 9/16/09 Section: News
For more detailed information on the events of that evening and the response that unfolded, see April 2009 coverage in the Echo of the event and the Martin Report, available on the Colby website.
THE REPORT: FINDINGS
In response to the concerning events and the subsequent outburst by the community, which attracted both state and national media attention, the College hired independent consultant Ralph Martin II, managing partner of the Bingham McCutchen law firm in Boston, to investigate what actually happened that evening, evaluate the findings and make recommendations to the College.
The on-campus investigative team, which assisted in the investigative process, includes Associate Director of Human Resources Richard Nale, Director of Equal Opportunity Employment Cora Clukey, Coordinator of Multicultural Student Programs and Support Joseph Atkins and Senior Associate Dean of Students Paul Johnston.
Among the key findings was the conclusion that the security officers acted appropriately in the take down of the two students, although the report determined that the restraint of the two students was longer than necessary; after CER removed the ill student from the premises, there was no need to keep either student restrained.
The report also noted that one security officer used "unprovoked and improper force" on two students outside of the Pugh Center. The officer in question is no longer employed by the College.
The report also found that race was not a motivating factor in the events of April 12.
THE REPORT:
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Martin Report found that many of the problems on April 12 came from the lack of clear campus protocols and procedures. The recommendations address Security's role while CER is administering to a student; student responsibility when receiving instructions from Security; circumstances under which physical restraint may be used and to what degree; when police should be called to the scene; and under what circumstances should a student be transported to the health center or the hospital.
THE REPORT: FINDINGS
In response to the concerning events and the subsequent outburst by the community, which attracted both state and national media attention, the College hired independent consultant Ralph Martin II, managing partner of the Bingham McCutchen law firm in Boston, to investigate what actually happened that evening, evaluate the findings and make recommendations to the College.
The on-campus investigative team, which assisted in the investigative process, includes Associate Director of Human Resources Richard Nale, Director of Equal Opportunity Employment Cora Clukey, Coordinator of Multicultural Student Programs and Support Joseph Atkins and Senior Associate Dean of Students Paul Johnston.
Among the key findings was the conclusion that the security officers acted appropriately in the take down of the two students, although the report determined that the restraint of the two students was longer than necessary; after CER removed the ill student from the premises, there was no need to keep either student restrained.
The report also noted that one security officer used "unprovoked and improper force" on two students outside of the Pugh Center. The officer in question is no longer employed by the College.
The report also found that race was not a motivating factor in the events of April 12.
THE REPORT:
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Martin Report found that many of the problems on April 12 came from the lack of clear campus protocols and procedures. The recommendations address Security's role while CER is administering to a student; student responsibility when receiving instructions from Security; circumstances under which physical restraint may be used and to what degree; when police should be called to the scene; and under what circumstances should a student be transported to the health center or the hospital.
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