Harassment Case Closed

By Davaughnia Wilson | Published Feb 25, 2022

A former Kean University student faced four counts of harassment and one count of violation of probation last fall after harassing multiple female students on Kean University’s Union campus on the evening of Nov. 3.

Since the incident was first brought to light by an Instagram user who was harassed in the Center of Academic Success (CAS), the investigation has been ongoing and was officially closed on Feb. 1.

Another female student who was harassed, a psychology major, who wishes to remain anonymous, stated that three of the four cases were dismissed as the other female victims did not show up to the hearing.

She explained that she appeared in a virtual court hearing through the Union Township Municipal Court for the first time on Nov. 24 and the case was officially closed on Feb. 1.

“He only plead guilty to my charge,” she said. “He has a $500 fine and probation for a year. I also placed a restraining order on him.”

She explained that emotionally she was broken after the last hearing. She felt very unsafe, worried and she expected the accused to receive a harsher punishment. She stated that the results made her extremely frustrated with the legal system.

“I don’t think it’s fair and I wanted something to be done,” she said.

She stated that she was nervous going into the last hearing because she wasn’t sure if the case would be closed or they would need another session. She added that during the entire process, it felt like a rollercoaster ride with its many ups and downs.

Since the incident last November, she has become very uneasy when she is around men and they start to get close to her because she doesn’t know their intentions.

She wished that the other victims were present at the hearing, but she has accepted the fact and understands that it wasn’t an easy task to do. She stated that she decided to speak out about it in hopes of helping those who are experiencing or have experienced the same fate as her.

“I wish more could’ve been done, but I am relieved that it is over with. My only goal from this is to move on from it and hope it never happens again,” she said.

The Tower staff reached out to Associate Vice President for University Relations, Margaret McCorry, for a comment however she did not respond.

On Jan. 20 the university sent an email to all students, faculty, and staff which read, “Kean University is committed to protecting its students from harassment, intimidation and bullying.

The Kean University Policy on Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying was included in the email and students were asked to review it. “The University promotes a culture of health, wellness, safety, respect, and excellence as the foundation upon which to build prevention of bullying,” the email said.

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