Eastern Michigan U. Fires President After Homicide Scandal

YPSILANTI, Mich. – The Eastern Michigan University (EMU) Board of Regents voted unanimously to fire President John Fallon July 15, seven months after the university covered up the murder of a student.

On Dec. 15, officials discovered the body of Laura Dickinson in her dorm room naked from the waist down with a pillow over her head. Despite evidence to the contrary, the university told family and friends she died of asphyxiation and that they suspected no foul play. Only after they arrested suspect Orange Taylor III 10 weeks later did they admit Dickinson had been raped and killed.

After the cover-up came to light, Fallon resisted pressure to resign and instead put out a 16-point plan to improve campus security.

A courier delivered the termination letter to Fallon’s house on Sunday night. The letter did not give a reason for the firing. Fallon said he was disappointed he had no chance to respond and still intends to tell his side of the story.

Taylor’s trial is scheduled to begin Oct. 15. The board is expected to reconvene on Monday. They have not yet decided whether to fire Vice President of Student Affairs Jim Vick or Public Safety Director Cindy Hall.

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