MT. PLEASANT, Mich. (WNEM) – Central Michigan University plans to address communication protocols following a series of concerning comments made on social media accounts that began Sunday afternoon.
Investigators told TV5 Monday there was no indication of an imminent threat. Classes continued as normal.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: CMU investigates concerning comments on social media
In a letter to students and staff Tuesday, CMU President Neil MacKinnon said the person who posted the comments was a student, who has now been banned from campus and could be arrested if they return. MacKinnon said police have been in contact with them, adding again there is no threat to the community.
The investigation has been referred to the Isabella County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
“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 said. “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 revising 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 communicating during an emergency, but the school does not have a defined process for how to communicate when there is a perception of fearful behavior without a direct threat, or when there are concerns about what can be communicated.
“Those aren’t excuses, and we can do better,” MacKinnon said. “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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