By John Face
December 17, 2021
Remarks written by Mrs. Lias are below.
REMARKS BY Hazel Lias
It has been a strange couple of days — EVEN FOR ALBION!! I never expected to be in this position, but as you all know, I have never been afraid to speak my mind. I want to share with you my version of events from the other night.:
I was at the game at the College on Tuesday. I saw the t-shirts designed for the event and jokingly said I wanted one. I was walked over to Dr. Johnson to get one. Johnson pointed his finger in my face and told me to control my friend Mo. He said if he came on campus again he would be banned. I had no idea what he was talking about. At that point, he threw the t-shirt at my chest. I was startled and deeply concerned by his tone and his intimidating body language.
To be clear, Johnson did not physically hit me. But I did feel threatened by his behavior and anger that he was directing towards me as he was pointing his finger in my face.:
While I understand that a statement issued by Albion College says that Johnson “held up the t-shirt and handed it over” – that also is not true! The t-shirt was thrown at me andnot in a friendly way by Johnson. In fact, there was nothing friendly or respectful in how he was addressing me at all.
At the game, Johnson was indicating that Big Mo was instigating the student protest on campus and had assaulted Leroy.
Johnson said that he would give me the t-shirt, but that he wanted me to tell Mo that he was no longer allowed on the college campus and threatened to have Mo jailed if he setfoot on the campus again.
I was upset. I quickly left and immediately called Mo and asked what had happened andhad he talked to the people that Johnson had mentioned. Mo told me he had not.
I checked also with others who also confirmed that Mo had not addressed them at the protest.
Wednesday evening, I received a call from a gentleman who wanted to meet me and explain something regarding the incident. He came to my home and introduced himself as “Mo” — Morris Arvoy! :He said that I am the Mo that Johnson is upset about being at the college campus protest!
You can imagine my surprise, as this small white man does look anything like Big Mo over here. So, I couldn’t see how anyone could get them confused!! He further said that Big Mo was only there to be supportive of the students and was not involved in any other way that would be considered a problem.
I received a text message from Johnson. He at first offered to meet and have Dr. AshleyWoodson be there also. We agreed to meet one on one in the hotel lobby
Although he did apologize at the about the incident and I accepted his apology…I also made it very clear that this was the 2nd strike! This was the 2nd time that he had disrespected me publicly for no good reason. And, that was something that I was not going to get over.
There was a lot of information and rumors going around and stories in the social media. Not all of the details were completely accurate.
Yesterday, I called Johnson to just let him know that I was not saying to anyone that he physically hit me.
Two college officials came over yesterday to help me draft a statement, but I had them tear it up, because what they wanted to say did not acknowledge that it was totally inappropriate for Johnson to treat ANY WOMAN in such a disrespectful and threatening way. There was no intention of holding Johnson accountable for his bullying behavior.
I did offer to help set the record straight, which is why I am here today.
He is NOT the VICTIM! And, I will not stand by quietly as his supporters attempt to shame me for speaking the truth!
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