The Banned Bunch

They are the unwanted, the unwelcome, and until earlier this week, they were unknown to most of the campus community.

These are the University of Northern Colorado's banned individuals: 24 people whose names, along with a mug shots in some cases, have been posted on the UNC Police Department Web site. These are individuals who have been issued persona non grata orders, and are not allowed to step foot onto university property.

Those listed on the page include former students and faculty, as well as individuals not affiliated with the campus. The unusual practice has come as a surprise to many throughout campus, going so far as to attract national attention.

Nate Haas, media relations manager, has acknowledged that the massacre that took place at Virginia Tech last week was a large factor in the administration's decision to produce the Web page.

"The event really got us thinking about the practices we have in place here, we've reviewed our practices, procedures and policies on an ongoing basis," Haas said. "It's an awareness tool for our campus community, a way for the campus to have another tool they can use to help keep them safe."

Despite the university's concerns with security, there are some who take issue with the fact that not all of those posted are necessarily dangerous. Many students have also been left wondering what kind of activity warrants a ban from the university.

It is an issue raised with Brittany Bethel, a former junior sports and exercise major at UNC. Bethel, whose photo was posted on the site, said she was unjustly removed from the campus.

In September 2006, Bethel collapsed after spending time in the Campus Recreation Center. Further investigation revealed that Bethel had been suffering from anorexia nervosa, and had collapsed as a result. According to Bethel, she was still recovering at the North Colorado Medical Center when she received a letter from the university informing her of her sudden placement into summary suspension. According to the letter Bethel had received, she had violated code H of the student code of conduct: Conduct which threatens or endangers the health, safety, or welfare of any person on university-owned or controlled property.

"They explained to me that I was endangering my own (welfare), and I guess that if you endanger yourself, it's considered under that code as well. I honestly don't know if that's the truth." Bethel said.

Having received a summary suspension, there is no specific date at which Bethel will return to school. According to a report from The Greeley Tribune, Bethel will not be allowed to return to school until she provides a letter from her doctor and therapist indicating that she's at a healthy level of weight. Bethel said she's improving, having had a feeding tube inserted into her stomach via surgery in March, which she is still recovering from in her apartment in Loveland. However, she says the lack of communication the school has provided her has made the process of returning to campus all the more difficult.

"It's been really frustrating, kind of in the way that I haven't been getting any answers," Bethel said. "I've tried contacting several people at UNC, and have not gotten back any calls back or replies."

In a statement e-mailed to students and staff on Wednesday afternoon, UNC President, Kay Norton commented that persona non grata orders were never issued due to a medical condition.

With Bethel's case being a strong exception, most students at UNC appreciate having the page readily accessible.

"I just think it's a good thing that it was made public," Jodi Richardson, senior nursing major, said. "I don't know if it really makes me feel more secure, but it makes me feel good that UNC is doing something about a tragedy."

Lorenzo Tobin, a senior criminal justice major, says he prefers being able to view the names and photos of those accused of violent activities, such as, Mitch Cozad, the football team's ex-punter who police accused of stabbing fellow punter Rafael Mendoza last fall.

However, Tobin said cases like Bethel's, as well as dorm violations such as underage drinking, are not large enough violations for bans to be considered.

"I think people with assault and stuff should be banned from campus, but I don't think alcohol-related stuff should be banned," Tobin said.

Despite varied beliefs on the Web page's effectiveness, students are curiously concerned with one question: What was it that these students did wrong?

"I think my experience over the last four or five years makes me feel safe. This is a little bit vague," Jenny Olson, senior international studies major said upon viewing the Web page. "I think I'd feel better if the reasons were made public, because it kind of breeds stereotypes,"

Reasons, however, won't be coming anytime soon to those seeking them, as university officials refused to comment on the actions of the individuals listed. In her e-mailed statement, Norton encouraged the issue's discussion, exempting one particular topic.

"This is healthy discussion," Norton said in her statement. "However, we do not and will not talk about individuals who receive persona non grata orders."