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Large protest held over Eastern Michigan University‘s handling of sexual assault reports

Another protest was held at EMU on March 28, 2021 over the school's handling of sexual assault reports. YPSILANTI, Mich. – Eastern Michigan University continues to see protests over allegations the university ignored reports of sexual assault. A lawsuit was filed Wednesday against Eastern Michigan University that alleges the university turned a blind eye to reports of sexual assault. A number of these sexual assault cases occurred during “traditional styled rituals” happened within the frat houses, the lawsuit states. The University stands with all survivors of sexual assault and is committed to supporting them.

Students protest Eastern Michigan University’s handling of sexual assault reports

YPSILANTI, Mich. – Eleven women are involved in a lawsuit against Eastern Michigan University that alleges the university turned a blind eye to reports of sexual assault. READ: More victims come forward in Eastern Michigan University sexual assault investigationAdAccording to the lawsuit, EMU is currently investigating 30 “brutal rapes that occurred at Eastern Michigan University and in the surrounding area from 2015 through 2020.”On Thursday, hundreds of students gathered on campus to demand better of the school. They said that there have been reports of similar incidents circulating around campus for years and that now is the time for justice. AdWe share students’ concerns over sexual assaults and fully endorse the expression of their views in this public manner. The university stands with all survivors of sexual assault and is committed to supporting them.

Eastern Michigan University covered up sexual assaults, lawsuit alleges

YPSILANTI, Mich. – Eleven woman have filed a lawsuit Wednesday against Eastern Michigan University, claiming that the university ignored reports of sexual assault. AdRelated: More victims come forward in Eastern Michigan University sexual assault investigationThe 166-page lawsuit claims that multiple entities within the school covered up a series of rapes that happened, specifically involving the fraternities Delta Tau Delta and Aplha Sigma Phi. A number of these sexual assault cases occurred during “traditional styled rituals” happened within the frat houses, the lawsuit states. “There is no place for sexual violence in our campus community and we will always take swift action to stop it. However, Flood said the lawsuit is aiming to change the fabric of EMU’s culture against these types of crimes.

Lawsuit: Eastern Michigan University ‘turned a blind eye’ to reports of sexual assault

YPSILANTI, Mich. – Eleven women are involved in a lawsuit against Eastern Michigan University that alleges the university turned a blind eye to reports of sexual assault. The lawsuit was filed in federal court and alleges that the school turned a blind eye or was indifferent to report of rape. The women said many of the assaults happened at two fraternities, Alpha Sigma Phi and Delta Tau Delta. Three of the men named in the lawsuit have been previously charged with sexually assaulting several women. READ: More victims come forward in Eastern Michigan University sexual assault investigationAccording to the lawsuit, EMU is currently investigating 30 “brutal rapes that occurred at Eastern Michigan University and in the surrounding area from 2015 through 2020.”AdThe lawsuit is available below:

Washtenaw County Health Department starts new scheduling process for COVID-19 vaccine

YPSILANTI, Mich. – Eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine expanded statewide on Monday and the Washtenaw County Health Department has switched to a new scheduling method. For those who need it, the Health Department is also providing phone scheduling. Read: Michigan COVID vaccine eligibility expands Monday: What to knowAdThe Health Department reminds residents that other sites are offering the vaccine, including the new FEMA/State of Michigan Ford Field site and retail pharmacies. We also recognize there are still challenges,” Jimena Loveluck, health officer with Washtenaw County Health Department, said in a statement. AdPop-up vaccination clinics will continue throughout Washtenaw County to ensure an equitable distribution of the vaccine to communities hit hardest by the virus.

TheRide, Washtenaw County partner to provide shuttles to mass COVID vaccination site

ANN ARBOR – The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) has partnered with the Washtenaw County Health Department to provide transportation to and from the county’s mass COVID vaccination site at Eastern Michigan University’s Convocation Center. Service began on Wednesday and anyone who has a scheduled appointment at the EMU site can use the shuttles. “This is an important step in making our mass vaccination site at EMU more accessible. We’re thankful to the TheRide for working with us to provide transportation at no cost to riders,” Loveluck said in a news release. The shuttles operate every 30 minutesThe shuttles are limited to 20 individuals per vehicle.

Eastern Michigan University to rename College of Engineering and Technology after philanthropic alumni group

YPSILANTI, Mich. – Eastern Michigan University announced it will be renaming its engineering and technology college in recognition of alumni group GameAbove, which has donated a total of $20 million toward student- and faculty-based initiatives over the past 15 months. The GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology name will go into effect on March 1. “The College of Engineering and Technology has a strong reputation. We greatly value GameAbove’s exceptional support of Eastern Michigan University students and faculty.”AdDean of the College of Engineering and Technology, Mohamad Qatu, said the group’s support has helped to “dramatically accelerate” the school’s ability to serve its students. To see the undergraduate and graduate level programs EMU’s College of Engineering and Technology currently offers, click here.

New mass vaccine site at EMU; local teen breaks national track record; Paczki Day in Ann Arbor

While strolling the empty downtown streets yesterday morning, it made me think of all the things I miss doing in Ann Arbor. (New York Times)📝 Hundreds of doctors and psychologists signed an open letter and petition to Ann Arbor Public Schools, urging the district to reopen by March 1. (A4)Good to know:🤤 Want to know where you can buy paczki (pronounced POONCH-kee) in Ann Arbor? (A4)Ad🌳 Did you know that Ann Arbor is a popular place for crows to roost in the winter? All About Ann Arbor is powered by ClickOnDetroit/WDIV.

Washtenaw County, St. Joe’s Ann Arbor open mass COVID-19 vaccination site at Eastern Michigan University

YPSILANTI, Mich. – The Washtenaw County Health Department and St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor hospital have partnered to staff a new COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Eastern Michigan University. “Running this community vaccination clinic is a huge undertaking,” Dr. Juan Luis Marquez, medical director at the Washtenaw County Health Department said in a statement. “We are grateful to partner with St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor to both continue and expand our community vaccination efforts. Registration will be done through the Washtenaw County Health Department. A member of the national guard is seen assisting in COVID-19 vaccination efforts at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti.

Rich Baird resigns from EMU board following charges in Flint water crisis

Rick Snyder, announced Friday he was resigning from the Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents. Baird was among nine individuals charged Thursday in the criminal investigation of the Flint water crisis. Baird was appointed to the Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents in November 2018. 41 charges filed in Flint water crisis investigation, officials sayForty-one charges have been filed in a Flint water investigation, according to officials. Rick Snyder.

Family still seeking justice as 2012 murder of Eastern Michigan University student remains unsolved

YPSILANTI, Mich. – The family of an Eastern Michigan University (EMU) student who was found murdered in her apartment in 2012 are still looking for justice. The family recently want the Ypsilanti Police Department to hand the case over to Michigan State Police. The Niswender family said Christmas is a particularly difficult time for them. “I still feel anger that it’s been eight years and we were told this as a solvable case,” Turnquist said. “Why has it been eight years?”Julia was 23-years-old when the Eastern Michigan University student was found dead in her Ypsilanti apartment on Dec. 11, 2012.

EMU, Henry Ford College partner to offer frontline workers scholarships during pandemic

YPSILANTI, Mich. – Eastern Michigan University and Henry Ford College announced Wednesday a partnership to offer frontline workers scholarships to EMU. In order to qualify, frontline workers must complete their HFC associate degree and pursue a bachelor’s degree at EMU. The partnership is the first of its kind, and stemmed from Governor Whitmer and the state’s Futures for Frontliners scholarship program. Under the program, frontline workers can earn a degree from a local community college at no cost. “This new partnership between Henry Ford College and Eastern Michigan University is an exciting opportunity for Frontliners to extend their education even further.

Eastern Michigan University students to get a head start on Thanksgiving break

YPSILANTI, Mich. – Eastern Michigan University students will be starting their Thanksgiving break two days earlier this year. The Ypsilanti university is canceling classes on Monday, Nov. 23, and Tuesday, Nov. 24 in order to extend the holiday break and give students additional time to wellness, according to a release. We encourage students to take full advantage of this extended recess by focusing on their physical and mental wellness," said Eastern Michigan University President James Smith in a release. Students will now be on break from the end of the day on Friday, Nov. 20, through Monday, Nov. 30. In an email, the university also informed students of the suspension of in-person classes due to Sunday’s statewide mandates on colleges and universities.

Registered sex offender accused of exposing himself to Eastern Michigan University students

YPSILANTI, Mich. – A registered sex offender is accused of exposing himself to Eastern Michigan University students in Ypsilanti. Police said 37-year-old Gregory Gentles, who moved to Ypsilanti earlier this year, has been going on campus and exposing himself to students in the library and other places around the city. He was arrested after a business owner spotted him and called police. Investigators are anyone who may have been a victim to come forward. Gentles is expected to face a judge Friday on felony charges.

Eastern Michigan University extends winter break to prevent COVID-19 spread

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University has announced two revisions to its academic calendar for the Winter 2021 semester to address the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. This move extends the winter break between semesters, which begins on Dec. 24. There will be no winter break in 2021; the University will hold classes that week. EMU has already taken measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 on campus, including delaying student move-in to dorms and increasing the number of online classes this fall. Nearby in Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan issued an emergency two-week stay-in-place order for all undergraduate students due to a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases.

Victims testify in sexual assault case involving men from Eastern Michigan University fraternity

YPSILANTI, Mich. – A former Eastern Michigan University student charged with others in a string of sexual assaults that occurred during his time as a student heard from his victims in court on Tuesday. READ: More victims come forward in Eastern Michigan University sexual assault investigationDustyn Durbin is facing 15 separate charges in connection to the alleged assaults. For hours on Tuesday, victims told the judge what happened to them. The victims said the men who assaulted them were fraternity brothers. One of the victims said she repeatedly told Durbin to stop.

Authorities use pear to entice, capture escaped emu

BOSTON – An emu that was spotted roaming the streets of a city near Boston was corralled by authorities in Massachusetts. The emu was reported Wednesday morning in Haverhill, about 35 miles north of Boston, and was captured two hours later. The Eagle-Tribune reported that the emu named Kermit, escaped from the property of a local resident who cares for unwanted animals. The resident had been preparing to transport Kermit to a farm in Maine when it fled. Authorities say the bird was captured safely after it was given a pear from a nearby tree.

More victims come forward in Eastern Michigan University sexual assault investigation

YPSILANTI, Mich. The Ypsilanti Police Department is investigating allegations of multiple sexual assaults from 2014 to 2018 by members of Eastern Michigan Universitys fraternity system. The investigation has resulted in two men being charged, and sources said more people are coming forward. McWilliams friend, Dustyn Durbin, who has also graduated, was charged with sexually assaulting eight different women. The alleged assaults happened while both men were EMU students, either at fraternity houses or other off-campus residences. A woman went to Ypsilanti police this year to make a complaint and now the amount of people coming forward has doubled.

Washtenaw County restricts outdoor gatherings in Ann Arbor, Ypsi to 25 people

YPSILANTI, Mich. Washtenaw County Health Department issued a public health emergency order to limit the size of social gatherings or events Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. County officials are not allowing more than 25 people to gather at outdoor events. The local order enhances existing state orders and further restricts social gathering in areas at increased risk for COVID-19 outbreaks as the student population returns to local universities. Social gatherings without preventative measures can quickly lead to increased local cases of COVID, said Jimena Loveluck, MSW, health officer for Washtenaw County. I support the Washtenaw County Health Officers social gathering limitation 100% and thank her for her leadership, Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor said.

Deputy charged for allegedly sexually assaulting 3 women at Eastern Michigan University

YPSILANTI, Mich. – A Washtenaw County deputy has been charged with criminal sex conduct toward multiple women during his time as a student at Eastern Michigan University (EMU). Deangelo McWilliams, 24, is facing charges after allegedly sexually assaulting three separate women beginning when he was 20 years old. The man is accused of sexually assaulting two of the women on separate occasions at a fraternity house. Durbin was charged on Friday with nine counts of criminal sexual conduct stemming from the sexual assault of seven separate women, officials said. Officials say sexual assault complaints regarding Durbin date back to 2014, but were not investigated by EMU.

Eastern Michigan graduate charged with 9 counts of sexual assault

YPSILANTI, Mich. – An Eastern Michigan University graduate is facing nine counts of of sexual assault dating back to when he was a student in 2015. The alleged victims were all EMU students. “There are no victims, only alleged victims,” said attorney David Goldstein. Anyone who has been a victim of sexual violence is urged to contact the Ypsilanti Police Department at 734-368-8784 or 734-368-8776. Durbin was arraigned on nine counts of criminal sexual conduct Friday.

Eastern Michigan University offers single rooms to students who want them

YPSILANTI, Mich. Eastern Michigan University is guaranteeing a single room on campus starting this fall for any enrolled student who wants one. The Ypsilanti school announced its EMU Single Room Guarantee in response to physical distancing and other safety concerns due to the coronavirus pandemic. Single rooms typically cost approximately $2,500 a year more than a shared, double room, Eastern Michigan said. The credit provides an annual savings of $1,700 over the typical single room rate. We have heard from many students and parents about this issue, Eastern Michigan President James Smith said.

Eastern Michigan University president planning for reopening of campus in fall

YPSILANTI – In a letter to the Eastern Michigan University community, president James Smith revealed that plans are in place to reopen campus in the fall for in person instruction and activities, safety permitting. Smith said university officials are planning for several different scenarios since the future of COVID-19 in Michigan remains unknown. “Our number one priority is the health, safety and well being of our students, faculty and staff,” wrote Smith. Instead, we will model different scenarios with varying timelines and contingencies.”Read: Eastern Michigan University: Standardized tests now optional for fall 2020 applicantsHe asked the campus community to “remain patient” as school officials aim to make the best decisions for the community moving forward. A steering committee that was established as part of the school’s crisis response efforts will now shift to future planning.

Eastern Michigan University: Standardized tests now optional for fall 2020 applicants

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University has revised its admission policy to make standardized testing for fall 2020 applicants optional amid the COVID-19 crisis. The option is only available for first-year domestic students starting school in the fall. According to EMU, prospective students must do the following to be considered for test optional admission:Apply to Eastern Michigan University for free using the fee waiver code CARE at the admissions website. Official transcripts are required for test optional consideration. Opt in by completing the test optional admission form.