Facebook admissible evidence
Freshmen talk dope on Facebook
Gabrielle Dunn
Issue date: 9/13/07 Section: News
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Emerson students should reconsider publicizing their illegal dealings - even those on Facebook.com - while living on campus, Emerson disciplinary officials say. Otherwise, they could end up like the two Northeastern University freshmen who were arrested after an undercover police officer overheard them offering drugs to fellow students from their dormitory window on Sept. 2.
At press time, there were 15 freshman-related Facebook.com groups. One of the biggest, "emerson 2011: the freshmen," is a 180- member forum for discussing drugs and drinking with over 500 wall postings. The 23 discussion threads range from where to buy pot in Boston, drugs students are bringing to school and plans to drink in dormitories during orientation week.
Dean of Students Ronald Ludman said incriminating pictures and comments on Facebook.com can be used as evidence in disciplinary hearings, although the College does not yet use the web site to monitor student behavior. He cautioned students against posting anything they wouldn't on a traditional bulletin board, a hallway door or in the student newspaper.
"I don't recall the exact number, but [Facebook] was employed in at least a couple of student conduct cases last year," Ludman said in an e-mail message to The Beacon.
George Noonan, director of Public Safety, said Facebook.com is a legal means for Emerson police to gather information for student conduct reports.
"I can't ever see us running a list of every students name and checking them on the web site but if I get an e-mail or a phone call saying, 'Hey, it would benefit you to go on the computer and look at Facebook' then I will," Noonan said. "If someone posts about running a drug dealership out of their dorm room, we'll follow up on that information and investigate."
Noonan said internet invitations to on-campus parties could be cause for Emerson police to investigate for illegal substances, underage drinking and occupancy violations. He said public safety is considering creating a Facebook.com account.
At press time, there were 15 freshman-related Facebook.com groups. One of the biggest, "emerson 2011: the freshmen," is a 180- member forum for discussing drugs and drinking with over 500 wall postings. The 23 discussion threads range from where to buy pot in Boston, drugs students are bringing to school and plans to drink in dormitories during orientation week.
Dean of Students Ronald Ludman said incriminating pictures and comments on Facebook.com can be used as evidence in disciplinary hearings, although the College does not yet use the web site to monitor student behavior. He cautioned students against posting anything they wouldn't on a traditional bulletin board, a hallway door or in the student newspaper.
"I don't recall the exact number, but [Facebook] was employed in at least a couple of student conduct cases last year," Ludman said in an e-mail message to The Beacon.
George Noonan, director of Public Safety, said Facebook.com is a legal means for Emerson police to gather information for student conduct reports.
"I can't ever see us running a list of every students name and checking them on the web site but if I get an e-mail or a phone call saying, 'Hey, it would benefit you to go on the computer and look at Facebook' then I will," Noonan said. "If someone posts about running a drug dealership out of their dorm room, we'll follow up on that information and investigate."
Noonan said internet invitations to on-campus parties could be cause for Emerson police to investigate for illegal substances, underage drinking and occupancy violations. He said public safety is considering creating a Facebook.com account.
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