Julea Ward case resolved
Eastern Michigan University has settled the case of Julea Ward, who was released from the EMU counseling program for refusing to counsel a gay student. Ward will be awarded $75,000, according to a statement released by the university.
“The resolution of the lawsuit leaves the university’s policies, programs and curricular requirements intact,” said Walter Kraft, vice president for communications of EMU, in the release. “The faculty retains its right to establish, in its learned judgment, the curriculum and program requirements for the counseling program at Eastern Michigan University.”
The Alliance Defense Fund first filed a lawsuit on behalf of Ward April 2, 2009, after Ward was expelled from EMU’s graduate school counseling program. After the district court ruled in the university’s favor in 2010, Ward appealed the case, which was sent back to the district court in January 2012. The case was reinstated in February 2012.
Kraft said in the statement the university decided to settle with Ward “rather than continue to spend money on a costly trial.”
EMU purchases Tasers
The Eastern Michigan University Department of Public Safety has purchased 33 Tasers and plans on officers carrying them starting Jan. 1, 2013.
The Tasers have many safety features, including a red warning light and a camera that will start recording as soon as the device turns on.
EMU will be joining other schools in the area that also have these devices, such as Michigan State, Western Michigan and Wayne State universities.
Habitat for Humanity dedication
Habitat for Humanity is hosting a home dedication for the newest renovated house in Michigan Dec. 16.
The dedication will be at 1070 Lester Ave., in Ypsilanti from 4-5:30 p.m.
The public is welcome to attend.
