As issues surrounding hazing continue to surface campus-wide, Prairie View A&M University’s Student Conduct Hearing Board continues to regulate and investigate incidents, some in which concern student leaders.
Student Conduct Officer Tim Albert said, “It is very critical for our student leaders to exemplify good behavior and be familiar with the student code of conduct. Leadership is priceless, and where much is given, much is expected.”
On Nov. 22, four members of the board held a hearing on an incident concerning seven student leaders, including Mr. Prairie View A&M University and Student Government Association Director of Complaints Michael Love, Student Government Association Vice President Trenton Johnson, and SGA Senator for the School of Architecture and Chair of Academic Affairs Dymonique Burton. The other four students involved wish to remain off record.
According to Love and Johnson, the hearing started with discussion of incidents concerning off-campus activities specifically related to an unauthorized induction process. Johnson, Love, and Burton all noted that there was no physical evidence presented against them during the hearing, only an extensive line of questioning.
After spending several days in suspense, Johnson and Love received a notice from Albert stating that they were both in violation of the student code of conduct and placed under deferred suspension, which deemed them “not in good standing” with the university on Dec. 7.
Burton said, “I feel the board could’ve made a better effort to work more diligently and communicate better with us throughout the course of their investigation. It’s so disappointing to have the sanctions placed on me, especially after I’ve worked so hard to gain this position.”
The content of the letter featured a list of all violations Love and Johnson allegedly committed including acts of dishonesty, hazing, insubordination, rendering false information, and inappropriate off-campus conduct. The terms of Johnson and Love’s sanctions include the ineligibility to host elections or make appointments supported by the university, inability to represent the university in any activity or program, permanent notice of probationary period on the student’s file, and potential review of eligibility to receive university administered financial aid.
Love said, “Throughout this incident, I have made a valiant effort to stay true to who I am. Times are tough now, but I feel that it is important for me to stand up for what I believe in.”
Johnson called a SGA meeting on Dec. 8 where he and Love notified other student leaders of their sanctions and expressed their concerns. Johnson and Love also stated that they were both appealing the board’s decision to force them to resign from their positions. Results from the appeal remain pending.
Johnson said, “This situation has taught me about facing humility. Everything I’ve gained has been taken from me. I thought I had control over my life, but I didn’t. I feel that I now have to use my resources in order to bounce back from this dilemma.”
Director of Student Activities Steve Ransom, who also serves as advisor for SGA, said, “It’s always disappointing to fall short of a desired goal or action. I know that the students involved feel worse than everyone about this situation. Students should take advantage of this time to learn from their mistakes in order to not repeat them again.”