01 July 2002
Dear Editor:
Recently I came across an article in the Boston Globe, “Court Agrees That Spitting At Someone Is Criminal”(author: Megan Tench, 29 June 2002, page B1, Section: Metro/Region), stating, “intentionally spitting on someone is an indirect touching that is repulsive, physically offensive, and violates the victim’s personal integrity.” Last Thursday around 1:20 PM, defendant, Ms. Amber McClure did just that. She spit in a students’ face and yelled out expletive words. Over what…defendant assumes a student in MSIS212 (Managerial Decision Making)class has/had the power to influence a professor’s decision to change the way a test should be administered in the class. The odds are highly unlikely. In addition, the defendant believes this student has ruined her holiday plans because now she will have to come and take the test in class this Tuesday, 02 July. Is this how the University of Massachusetts Boston’s students behave on campus? Is this worth an “assault” over petty testing changes? What is more important? School work? Or Vacation?
What is more disturbing is the two immediate witnesses that were witness to this assault and the defendant LIED to the on-campus police about the defendant spitting in the plaintiff’s face. Either the students are victims of peer pressure and do not want to get involved or they, themselves, believe lying and cheating are acceptable at this University or within the United States. Not only is this unacceptable, but also it is UNETHICAL! Lying about the truth is wrong. Lying and cheating are unethical and will be dealt with; accordingly, by the law; whether, here, on-campus or with state and Boston police.
The plaintiff has addressed this assault with the proper authorities. The plaintiff has also sought legal services.
“Crimes reported to the University police requiring follow-up are investigated by University Police Officers and/or UMass Police Detectives. Nevertheless, through regular communication and participation in formal working groups, UMass Police maintain ongoing relationships with State and Boston Police, as well as other area law enforcement agencies.” Department of Public Safety.
The plaintiff urges both parties to profess their truthfulness and urges the other students who have either witnessed the assault or spoken to the defendant in conversation to contact the on-campus police. You can contact Public Safety at [email protected] or call 617-287-7799 and ask for Officer St. Ives.
Thank you,
J. Stone Laraway IICM, MIS
(please do not show my name when you print this)