There has not yet been a final decision involving two Stockton University students accused of racist social media posts, according to the school.Stockton came under fire after the screenshot was shared on social media multiple times showing a white student with black makeup and a sign calling herself the N-word.
That woman has been identified by others as nursing student Shelby Israel.A petition calling for her expulsion has now surpassed 34,000 signatures.
A second student, Gunnar Pearson, also garnered attention for posts on his Twitter.
He has since posted an apology for remarks he said were not taken as he meant them and then locked his Twitter to the public.Stockton President Harvey Kesselman released a statement last week. On Sunday, another official put out a statement explaining the process."We understand the concerns expressed given the very serious nature of the reports and the desire for immediate public statements regarding student conduct proceedings," wrote Stephen B. Davis, assistant vice president for Student Affairs for Inclusion and Wellness/Dean of Students. "By law, the university must provide all students with due process when investigating a violation of the student conduct code and is precluded from disclosing its actions related to student conduct matters."The process includes a fair hearing process to determine if sanctions are warranted, and the opportunity for the respondent to appeal a any sanction.
"Because of the very recent dates of the incident reports involving the two students, the due process required for all students has yet to conclude," Davis continued. "Therefore, no final determinations of outcomes involving the two student conduct code investigations have been rendered."
Davis said anyone with questions can contact him directly.
Social media posts by two Stockton University students have garnered anger and petitions calling for the expulsion.
One includes a young white woman identified as a university nursing student with black makeup streaked across her face, and a sign on her forehead saying, “I’m a n-----,” with a smiley face.
“I am outraged and saddened by recent reports of racist actions and social media posts by members of the Stockton community,” Stockton President Harvey Kesselman said in a statement released Saturday.Under the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act, the school is limited on what information can be shared about students.Read more...
