University denies charging students: Documents show charges were filed

[Judi Lynn]

Apr 9, 2004
University denies charging students
Documents show charges were filed
By Andrea Berry
Staff writer


University students (left to right) Chuck DeVoe, Ryan Grim and Michael Cawdery were accused of disorderly conduct after they called out to the U.S. vice president's wife outside the forum's prescribed format. GERALD MARTINEAU--THE WASHINGTON POST
University documents obtained by The Diamondback show that three students who shouted a comment and two questions to Lynne Cheney during a February forum were charged with violating the Code of Student Conduct, despite a university statement that said no charges had been filed.

The charges, which were dropped Monday, accused graduate students Michael Cawdery and Ryan Grim and junior Chuck DeVoe of disorderly conduct after they shouted questions and an expletive to the U.S. vice president's wife outside the Brody Public Policy Forum's prescribed format.

The university's response to the Cheney incident, which attracted national media attention from outlets like The Washington Post and The Associated Press, said the students "were not charged" with any violations. The statement also criticized media coverage, saying "much of the discussion has been based on rumor and misinformation. The university would like to correct the record."
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But the students say the charges were dropped due to media scrutiny. Grim cited the "urgent" e-mail notification he received as evidence that the university was trying to calm a storm of controversy.
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http://www.inform.umd.edu/News/Diamondback/archives/2004/04/09/news2.html