Student: Threat was a misunderstanding
Robert Walker has been identified as the student who allegedly posted threats against Eastern on his Facebook page.
Lt. John Hatfill of the University Police Department confirmed that Walker is the student and that he is no longer on campus.
An e-mail sent out Tuesday night by President Bill Perry stated that the student was banned from campus and has returned to his hometown near Chicago.
Tuesday’s e-mail was an update to faculty, staff and students from a previous e-mail Perry sent Monday night in regards to the alleged threat.
Perry said the student said the Facebook postings were not serious and a joke.
“Regardless, the campus ban with respect to the student remains in place, and the university administration, including the University Police Department, continues to monitor the situation,” Perry said in the e-mail.
Walker, a freshman family and consumer sciences major, said the status in question was “in five days things are going down.”
The status was posted Thursday and Walker said it was in reference to his birthday party that was supposed to happen at the bowling alley Tuesday night.
Walker said someone who had seen his status told the Student Standards Board. “Basically, it was a misunderstanding,” he said.
Walker said he was asked to leave and that he left Saturday. “I left on my own free will,” he said.
Investigation is ongoing and the case is being referred to the Office of Student Standards for review and recommendation regarding further disciplinary action, Perry said.
“Through further investigation we have concluded that campus safety is not compromised,” Perry said. “That investigation also has shown that no threats were made with respect to specific areas of campus, or specific groups, or specific individuals.”
Hatfill said he had a meeting with the Athletic Department Tuesday morning to discuss security for the OVC tournaments Tuesday night in which Walker’s name was mentioned.
“That was not the sole purpose of the meeting,” Hatfill said of the mention of Walker.
Flyers with Walker’s picture were posted in athletics saying Walker was banned from campus, and if seen, contact the UPD.
Hatfill said the situation is under control. “We don’t perceive (Walker) to be an immediate threat to the games (Tuesday night) and to campus,” Hatfill said.
Mark Bonnstetter, associate director of operations and head athletic trainer, said Walker was a student worker at athletic events.
Hatfill said the university found out about the messages over the weekend. “We were on top of the situation early,” he said.
Dan Nadler, vice president for student affairs, said an investigation is ongoing. “Eastern Illinois University treats these matters in a very serious fashion,” Nadler said.
Kristina Peters can be reached at 581-7942 or at DENeic@gmail.com.
