Spring Break
Now Guilty, Steamer Must Be Expelled
Our Opinion
Issue date: 12/4/07 Section: Commentary
Now there can be no speculation. With Friday's guilty plea by UConn student Keith Steamer to charges of second-degree unlawful restraint and third-degree assault, as well as a new charge of violating a protective order, there is no more doubt as to the wrongful and injurious actions Steamer committed last January, for which he was accused of sexual assault.
Yet, even as Steamer awaits sentencing for these crimes, he continues to be both a student and campus resident in Storrs.
Never mind that the facts of this case have been visible from day one. Ignore the strong evidence contained within the original police warrant in which Steamer admitted to sexual intercourse after consent was revoked. Disregard the police interviews of Steamer's roommate and the Buckley community assistant - all of which should have led to Steamer's removal from campus housing. What evidence is left still remains a clear cause for action.
Despite Dean of Students Lee Williams' claim at last month's "Straight from the Source" forum that UConn is not always aware of developing legal issues with its students - far fetched, considering UConn Police issued the arrest warrant, court records in this case have always been public and media coverage and pressure has been consistent - there is no longer a plausible justification for inaction. It is hard to believe the adequate information the university needs to act did not come from Steamer's own admissions to police and prosecutors.
But now the facts are clear. With his guilty plea, Steamer has lost the right to be a resident of the campus community. Furthermore, he should no longer be welcome at UConn as a student.
When Steamer again walks into Rockville Superior Court on Jan. 11 for sentencing, he will be facing a maximum of 18 months in prison and five years of probation. He should receive both.
The university now has both the irrefutable standing and the moral duty to see to it that Steamer is dealt with appropriately. While the decision to expel a student can never be considered easy or pleasurable, in this case it is undeniably just. It does not matter that the semester is merely two weeks from its conclusion and come mid-December Steamer would be able to quietly and permanently slip away from the campus community with 15 more credits. He has not earned that privilege. While the merits of using one case as an example for those who should engage in similar behavior is questionable, all eyes are now on the university's official response to Friday's guilty plea.
For the credibility of UConn, if there ever were a time for the administration to carry a big stick, it is now.
Yet, even as Steamer awaits sentencing for these crimes, he continues to be both a student and campus resident in Storrs.
Never mind that the facts of this case have been visible from day one. Ignore the strong evidence contained within the original police warrant in which Steamer admitted to sexual intercourse after consent was revoked. Disregard the police interviews of Steamer's roommate and the Buckley community assistant - all of which should have led to Steamer's removal from campus housing. What evidence is left still remains a clear cause for action.
Despite Dean of Students Lee Williams' claim at last month's "Straight from the Source" forum that UConn is not always aware of developing legal issues with its students - far fetched, considering UConn Police issued the arrest warrant, court records in this case have always been public and media coverage and pressure has been consistent - there is no longer a plausible justification for inaction. It is hard to believe the adequate information the university needs to act did not come from Steamer's own admissions to police and prosecutors.
But now the facts are clear. With his guilty plea, Steamer has lost the right to be a resident of the campus community. Furthermore, he should no longer be welcome at UConn as a student.
When Steamer again walks into Rockville Superior Court on Jan. 11 for sentencing, he will be facing a maximum of 18 months in prison and five years of probation. He should receive both.
The university now has both the irrefutable standing and the moral duty to see to it that Steamer is dealt with appropriately. While the decision to expel a student can never be considered easy or pleasurable, in this case it is undeniably just. It does not matter that the semester is merely two weeks from its conclusion and come mid-December Steamer would be able to quietly and permanently slip away from the campus community with 15 more credits. He has not earned that privilege. While the merits of using one case as an example for those who should engage in similar behavior is questionable, all eyes are now on the university's official response to Friday's guilty plea.
For the credibility of UConn, if there ever were a time for the administration to carry a big stick, it is now.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
DANGER
posted 12/05/07 @ 7:41 PM EST
What is going on here? This kid is still having sex with her in her parent's home! I was wondering if the University was notified by the Uconn police department about this. (Continued…)
annoymous
posted 3/17/08 @ 9:30 PM EST
it's a shame that you people believe that this is what really happened. as a friend of the "accused" i know for a fact that whatever you people say in these news articles is completly untrue and i find it extremly funny that you thrive off news like this when you don't even know the true story. (Continued…)
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