Written by John Face
City Watch NEWS
December 16, 2021
Updated 12/16 at 2 PM
While attending a basketball tournament at Albion Colleges Kresge Gymnasium Albion College President Mathew Johnson made a totally unprovoked attack on Albion matriarch Hazel Lias. The tournament was sponsored by Albion College Trustee Jeffrey Weedman who had dedicated this tournament to his father in-law. Weedman along with college Trustees Joseph Calvaruso and Joey Miller were in attendance. Also in attendance were residents from Hanover Horton and Jackson that participated in the tournament.
The attack happened down on the basketball court in front of the crowd present. Johnson leveled accusations against Lias and Albion resident Maurice Big Moe Barry. Barry is a local leader that works with community members on a variety of causes and is well respected. Johnson accused Barry of interfering with a protest at the college campus. This writer was present at this protest standing near him and all he did was observe and support students with quiet words of encouragement.
According to witnesses what was most disturbing was Johnson’s tone and his pointing close to the face of Lias as if to “talk down to her” according to one source. As he stepped forward pointing she leaned back. That is what witnesses thought was a push.
Since this situation occurred on Tuesday night Johnson has canceled the Albion College Community Holiday Party that was scheduled for 7:00 P.M. tonight. Sources said that Johnson fears for his safety as the reason for the cancellation. The party was to happen at his residence on Michigan Avenue.
City Watch has been monitoring social media and calls for his resignation or termination is growing. Many wonder why law enforcement has not been involved.
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