Update at bottom of story

Written by John Face

December 24, 2021

City Watch NEWS Albion

After meetings of the Albion College Board of Trustees over this past week City Watch NEWS has learned that Mathew Johnson is no longer employed by the college and has resigned. He began his job July 1, 2020, Board of Trustees member Joe Calvaruso will be the interim President.

This all happens in the wake of a confrontation that Johnson had with Hazel Lias a local Albion elder on Tuesday December 14 which was unprovoked and has caused a fire storm of criticism for Johnson and demands that he be terminated or resign. 

Lias held a press conference last Friday to “set the record straight” after a leaked email from the college basically played down the entire event. Johnson faces potential prosecution for assault over this entire situation as well. Lias has not yet filed a complaint but says she has not ruled it out. Other civil liability ramifications in this case exist for both the college and Johnson.

Stay tuned for more details

Follow this link to letters from Board President and Interim College President

Update on Johnson Resignation

Written by John Face

Editorial

December 21, 2021

A week ago today, Mat Johnson, President of Albion College verbally assaulted Hazel Lias inside Kresge gym on the college campus. One week later all we have is rumors and pissed off Albion residents and college professors and staff who have decided enough is enough and have made a public stand.

What we can say is that Mat Johnson still works for the school and that Board of Trustees President Mike Harrington apparently doesn’t appear to have the stones to fire him. Maybe Harrington is thinking this will all go away if he does nothing, maybe we will all forget our black matriarch, our beloved Hazel was made afraid by this person.

This will not go away despite Johnsons attempt to influence the public using back door tactics of his sycophants who are trolling the internet and local neighborhoods. The sad thing is those who have been so vocal for Mat Johnson in the past are dead silent now OR on full bore offense trying to discredit others and God forbid Hazel Lias.

Let us remember Johnson came at Lias aggressively pointing his finger raising his voice looking down on her as if she was beneath him, like she should bow to him. Don’t forget that. This was not the first time he did this to her according to Lias in her press conference this past Friday, though she would not elaborate on what happened.

So here we are. Mike Harrington appears to be afraid or is looking to create a public excuse because he fears Mat Johnson. Could it be that there are issues with Johnson’s history before Albion that he knew about and forced the hiring of Johnson anyway? Academic issues? Other situations with women that would earn a demotion in prior jobs? Questions only Harrington can answer. Maybe Harrington needs to step down along with other key executive officers of the Board of Trustees since that despite what they know they still want to hang on to ole Mat.

Mat Johnson needs to be unemployed and key top positions of the College Board of Trustees need to step down as well. There is no leadership at Albion College. For the love of higher education let’s stop this madness.

Yes, Mike Harrington WE THE CITIZENS OF THE ALBION AREA HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING.

For heaven’s sake not even a press release. Cowards.

Time for a loud and raucous protest so they know we Albion people are not going to stand by and let them get away with hurting Hazel Lias.

Thank you

Press Rel

Gov. Whitmer Awards Funding to 41 Small Businesses in 28 Communities to Support 228 Jobs and Grow Michigan’s Economy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

December 16, 2021 

Contact: press@michigan.gov  

Gov. Whitmer Awards Funding to 41 Small Businesses in 28 Communities to Support 228 Jobs and Grow Michigan’s Economy 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced that 28 communities across Michigan have been awarded a total of $1,011,057 in grants aimed at supporting small local businesses to create resiliency and strengthen downtowns through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Match on Main grant program, ensuring that the state continues its strong job growth after adding 67,000 jobs in the last three months.  

“The Match on Main grants are helping us put small businesses first and build on the 145,000 jobs we added last year by continuing to invest in our communities and main streets across the state,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “I am so grateful to our hardworking, innovative small business owners who form the backbone of our economy, create jobs, and help countless local communities thrive. We will continue investing in them as we usher in a new era of economic prosperity for Michigan.” 

“Thriving small businesses are what make Michigan’s downtowns unique and authentic while helping to create economic opportunity across the state,” said MEDC Senior Vice President of Community Development Michele Wildman. “These Match on Main grants will help local businesses find new paths to growth and create and retain jobs, while further developing vibrant, unique, and attractive places where people want to live, work, and play.” 

MEDC’s Match on Main program provides funding to communities that participate as a select and master level community in the Michigan Main Street program or are a Certified Redevelopment Ready community. The communities, who receive the grant funding from the MEDC, in turn award grants of up to $25,000 to eligible businesses seeking support. 

The grants are expected to create or retain 75 full-time and 153 part-time jobs, and the projects are expected to generate a total private investment of more than $1.7 million. 

The Match on Main grants may be used by the business for eligible expenses that support technical assistance, interior building renovations, permanent or semi-permanent activation of an outdoor space, permanent or semi-permanent business infrastructure related to COVID-19 recovery efforts, and other working capital needs such as marketing needs and inventory expenses. Additional needs identified by the business and supported by the local community are also considered. 

The Albion Economic Development Corporation will use its $25,000 to assist with the expansion of Yellow Bird Chocolate Shop, a purveyor of artisanal chocolates in downtown Albion. With the help of the funds, Yellow Bird will expand its manufacturing capacity by scaling up machinery and commercial kitchen appliances, as well as further developing online sales capabilities and consumer education through its popular tasting experiences. 

“We are truly honored to receive Michigan’s Match on Main reimbursement grant opportunity for expanding Yellow Bird Chocolate Shop in downtown Albion. This reimbursement grant means two things to us: first, it will help us meet the local and regional demand for more craft chocolate and artisanal confections; and second, it is an indicator that the State of Michigan is supportive of the efforts and creative development happening in downtown Albion,” said Jenny Risner-Wade, owner of Yellow Bird Chocolate Shop. “We are so grateful for the encouragement and guidance of our local economic development corporation, the city of Albion, the Albion Downtown Development Authority and the Dream.Build.Rise.Albion program. Thank you!” 

The city of Alpena was awarded $25,000 to support Fresh Palate, an eatery in downtown Alpena focused on providing healthy, organic, fresh meals in an energetic, earth-conscious, friendly, comfortable environment. The restaurant will use the funds to completely renovate an underutilized property in downtown Alpena into a trendy retail space with a bar. It will help to expand the downtown’s newly established social district. 

“I can’t thank the MEDC enough for the Match on Main grant award! This gives me hope that the future economy of our downtown community is staying strong and in fact thriving in this uncertain time in history,” said Eric Peterson, owner of Fresh Palate. “A grant of this size makes me feel comfortable that I can complete my expansion project without stressing the whole time over money. A thriving downtown community brings vibrancy and sustainability to a thriving local economy. Business owners really have to put themselves out there and help from someone like the MEDC goes a long way.” 

“We are thrilled to have two projects in Downtown Alpena selected for support through the Match on Main grant program. Both projects will allow our small businesses to grow and expand– and help our downtown thrive as a year-round destination as well,” said Alpena Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Anne Gentry. “The addition of igloos at Hopside Brewery will allow visitors to dine outside year-round, even throughout the winter months. The new bar and food truck court by the Fresh Palate will activate a vacant building and parking lot into a vibrant new food experience downtown. We appreciate the MEDC’s support to move these projects forward and help Downtown Alpena grow.” 

December 2021 Match on Main grant winners: 

RECIPIENT	BUSINESS NAME	GRANT
City of Houghton	Bruce Rundman/dba Good Times Music	$25,000
City of Marquette Downtown Development Authority	Ore Dock Brewing Company, LLC	$25,000
Sault Sainte Marie Downtown Development Authority	Shilts Enterprises, Inc./dba Co-Ed Flowers and Gifts	$25,000
City of Marquette Downtown Development Authority	Superior Culture	$25,000
Charlevoix DDA	Smoke on the Water	$25,000
City of Petoskey	Old Town Emmet LLC/dba Tom and Dick’s Party Store	$25,000
City of Cadillac	Owl Eye Coffee Roasters LLC	$25,000
City of Manistee	Blue Fish Kitchen, LLC	$25,000
Charlevoix DDA	CAFE MERIA, LLC	$25,000
Downtown Development Authority/Grayling Main Street	Rolling Oak Brewing Company LLC/dba Rolling Oak Brewing	$18,807
Downtown Development Authority/Grayling Main Street	Three Fires Company, LLC/dba White Pine and Petals	$25,000
City of Alpena Downtown Development Authority	Hopside Brewery	$21,250
City of Alpena Downtown Development Authority	The Fresh Palate LLC/dba Backyard’s	$25,000
City of Cheboygan Downtown Development Authority	Kryska Designs, LLC/dba Hair Design/Shine Boutique & Tanning	$25,000
City of Cheboygan Downtown Development Authority	Cottage & Main, LLC/dba Cheboygan Coffee Roasters	$25,000
Grand Haven Main Street – Downtown Development Authority	SJW Corporation/dba JW’s Food and Spirits	$25,000
Uptown Grand Rapids, Inc.	601 Browned Butter LLC/dba Brown Butter Creperie and Café	$25,000
Wayland Main Street/DDA	Ottomatic, Inc./dba Wayland Hotel Bar and Grill	$25,000
Uptown Grand Rapids, Inc.	LORDE Beauty and Cosmetics LLC	$25,000
City of Allegan	Tantrick Brewing Co, LLC	$25,000
City of Gladwin	Pale Blue Smoking Co., LLC/dba Pale Blue at the Stone House	$25,000
City of Gladwin	The Homestead, LLC	$25,000
Middle Michigan Development Corporation	Richli, Inc./dba Blue Gator Sports Pub and Grill	$25,000
Middle Michigan Development Corporation	Olive Grove Properties/dba Ginkgo Tree Inn	$25,000
Saginaw Downtown Development Authority	Gee’Ques LLC	$25,000
Middle Michigan Development Corporation	Not So Shabby Gifts and Primitives, L.L.C./dba Up North Coffee	$25,000
City of Swartz Creek	AVH Lockhart LLC/dba Burrito Bro’s/Back Alley Subs	$25,000
Lapeer Downtown Development Authority	Center for the Arts of Greater Lapeer, Inc	$25,000
Lapeer Downtown Development Authority	Wood Chips LLC/dba Woodchips BBQ	$25,000
City of St Johns	HBH Consulting, LLC/dba Fab Five Design, LLC	$25,000
City of Lansing	Strange Matter Coffee/dba Strange Matter Coffee LLC	$25,000
City of Lansing	Lansing Art Gallery, Inc./dba Lansing Art Gallery & Educational Center	$25,000
Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance	Marshall Hardware LLC	$25,000
City of Niles dba Niles Downtown Development Authority	Apothica Teas, LLC	$21,000
Downtown Development Authority of the City of South Haven	Rocket Time Amusements Inc./dba Rocket Arcade	$25,000
Village of Cassopolis	144 Broadway LLC/dba The 144 Market	$25,000
Downtown Development Authority of the City of South Haven	Rock “N” Road Cycle	$25,000
Albion Economic Development Corporation	Yellow Bird Chocolate Shop	$25,000
Jackson Downtown Development Authority	Jackson Candle Company	$25,000
Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority	Earthen Jar Inc	$25,000
Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority	Pearl Street Ventures, LLC/dba Bellflower Restaurant	$25,000
	TOTAL	$1,011,057

In March 2021, MEDC announced that 17 communities around Michigan were awarded a total of $500,743 in grants aimed at supporting small local businesses to create resiliency and strengthen downtowns around Michigan. A total of 21 small businesses around Michigan received assistance through the program. 

Michigan’s small businesses are a vital part of the state’s economy, employing more than 1.8 million people. Helping businesses to open and grow is a key focus of MEDC, and the Match on Main Street program is one of MEDC’s tools that provides opportunities for new and expanding businesses located in Main Street districts to grow and succeed. For more information on the program, visit here. To learn more about MEDC’s services for Michigan businesses, visit here. 

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) 

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. 

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Brits, Colleagues, Albionites

I condemn Mathew Johnson and his most recent disrespect of Mrs. Hazel Lias. His true character is now revealed in public. He took advantage of the pandemic to grow his power like a cancer in my beloved Albion College and my adopted hometown: the City of Albion. For too long his Office and the power it brings shielded him from the consequences of his actions. He is a manipulative, abusive man, using our highest ideals to divide and control us, while destroying people he claims to defend. He speaks impressively, and writes volumes, but his organizations and their employees struggle to keep up with his daily change in direction. Any objection to the constant chaos is met with legal threats and psychological abuse, or dismissal with a gag order. He cares only for the appearance of progress and has no idea how to actually lead people – only intimidate them. The scene with Mrs. Lias has been repeated many times with many others behind closed doors.

This is no secret. He has systematically destroyed the progress made in town-gown relationships before he arrived. He opposes those who love Albion and are ready to grow our town into the future. He chases millions of dollars away because he won’t get credit for them. His skill at deception and organizational manipulation joined with his ruthless misuse of power have kept the truth from the public eye until now. Dozens know this and dare not speak for fear of his personal and professional retaliation. Many of us worked behind the scenes in this fight, persuaded that we must protect our institutions from his attacks, but now it’s time to declare a public position. Johnson is a disgrace to the office of the President of Albion College. A wave of progress is on hold until he leaves. He must be dismissed immediately.

Clifford E. Harris,

Professor Albion College

Written by John Face

December 18, 2021

City Watch NEWS – Albion

Photo by John Face

Editorial

On Tuesday evening at the Kresge gym on the campus of Albion College, President Mathew Johnson did something that was so unbelievable that many refused to believe it happened. We all have found out what happened as the week progressed.

On Friday December 17 City Watch NEWS along with other NEWS outlets and her supporters attended a Press Conference that was called in order for Mrs. Lias to tell her side of the story and mostly to refute the narrative coming from Johnson and the college.

I believe Hazel Lias

On Thursday City Watch received a copy of an email sent by Johnsons Chief of Staff Kelly Finn (copy of that email is below) to members of the College Board of Trustees and other executives. Take a few minutes to read this email as it appears filled with errors. At the time of the email the only narrative out there was what was coming from President Johnsons supporters who were claiming that NEWS reports were a lie, the situation was not totally true etc.

Johnson supporters are out in mass this week. One has made it a point to change the narrative from Hazel Lias being verbally assaulted in a threatening way to John Face is a liar and racist. I laughed at this person’s comments. Everything this idiot said is a lie, but these are the tactics that Johnson supporters want to use. See changing the narrative from Mrs. Lias in fear of this man’s action to “the whole thing is overblown, or some reporter is a liar and racist gets people forgetting that Mat Johnson went after Hazel and did it very easily. Almost like this may be something he has done before.

So where are we now? Hazel Lias, a matriarch in our town was verbally abused by this man because he was clueless about what he was saying. If you watch the video of the press conference and read her comments below and think we can move on from this, well that is sad. There really is only one ending and that is Mat Johnson must leave Albion College.

I believe Hazel Lias

Hazel Lias is a woman whom I have known most of my life and respected that entire time. She has helped shape the lives of the young men and women she saw every single day. These “kids” today are expressing their loyalty, love and support decades after they left school. Mat Johnson must leave Albion College.

You can’t get in the face of any woman and act threatening in our town, especially Hazel Lias. You crossed the one line that we all will stand up and defend. I sat at the press conference listening yesterday and as Mrs. Lias began to break down my heart ached. She is loved and didn’t deserve to be treated like a second-class citizen by a man that acted as a superior to her. He is certainly not superior to her, and if you want to continue to support Mat Johnson, well that is saying a lot about you and your character, and that’s not a good thing.

Mat Johnson must leave Albion College for good and

I believe Hazel Lias

Kelly Finn Email

Kelly Finn

Dec 16

Notified 32 people

Dear Board of Trustees,
I am writing to clarify the events over the last few days and to provide context for all of you.
The events began last Friday when a small group of students (about 30) assembled on the Quad to protest the way the College had handled a student m3qental health issue. That issue led to the student being advised that they should take a medical leave to seek the care we were unable to provide. Leroy handled the issue expertly. However, the student claimed she was mistreated by the College and misrepresented what took place which led to a demonstration on campus. We made the decision that Dr J would not attend the demonstration and hold space for Leroy to lead as VP of Student Development. Dr J did not attend.
Three off-campus individuals came to the demonstration after having publicized it in the community. Those three individuals were:

1. Morris Arvoy, a former employee of the college who was involuntarily separated from the College when Bob was hired or thereabouts. He has been one of the members of the community agitating on social media. 
2. John Face, a local blogger who has been providing misinformation for months.
3. Maurice Barry, a member of the Black community who often interacts with students.

As reported by Leroy and Ashley, who stood outside with students for over two hours, the three individuals from off campus were contributing to the escalation of the demonstration in a variety of ways. The escalation became so caustic that Leroy was personally attacked. That evening and over the weekend, Dr J reached out to Leroy to support him. Late Sunday he wrote Dr J a long text expressing his appreciation for the support and sharing that over the weekend he had considered resigning because of the attack on him. He finished that message saying he was now in a better place and looking forward to the Cabinet retreat that we were heading into on Monday and Tuesday. 
On Monday at the Cabinet retreat, Dr J made space for Leroy to share about how he felt with the team. We processed it together as a Cabinet for about 45 minutes or so. He said he felt affirmed by the support. We lightly discussed as a team that there needed to be a more proactive approach to managing the off-campus participants but moved into the retreat proper. Dr J discussed privately with Leroy and Keena and me the possibility of banning them from campus. We all agreed to think on it for a few days as we were away at the retreat anyway.
On Tuesday we all came home from the retreat in the evening. Dr J went directly to the basketball game to say a few words about Jeff Weedman’s generous gift and the dedication of the game. After the halftime events, Hazel Lias approached Dr J and asked about the t-shirts that were made for the game. A limited number were made and they had all been given out. He retrieved the one that was designated for him from the bleachers and held it up, handing it to her. As he did, he asked her for help with addressing Maurice’s part on Friday explaining that he didn’t want to overreact. Hazel had offered to Dr J to call on her for help at any time and he was trying to ask for her help. She said to him that she would take care of it and they parted ways on what he thought was a positive interaction. Joe and Donna Calvaruso witnessed the interaction.
Nevertheless, his words, actions, and perhaps tone offended Hazel. She reached out to Marc and told him so. Marc informed us of that on Wednesday morning and Dr J asked for his help and guidance as well as Keena’s with making amends. Dr J also texted an apology to Hazel immediately. She responded and asked for a one-on-one. Dr J apologized in that meeting and she said she accepted the apology and forgave him.
Today, at 6 am Hazel called Dr J to assure him she did not have anything to do with the social media reports, that she will do her best to correct the record that he never touched her, and that she will tell anyone that she has forgiven him. She also asked that we share the same with anyone who asks. 
We met with the Cabinet this morning and we discussed the situation. Marc is very upset by it as he has familial and other connections to Hazel. At one point he excused himself from the meeting. Keena explained to the cabinet that because of community expectations Marc may feel he has to leave Albion because of his responsibility to support Hazel even though she has accepted the apology. Dr J asked the team to step forward as a team and work together on this as Dr J cannot lead the response because of the role he played and the issues being litigated in public. 
We met as a team after our earlier conversation, talked through the issues and agreed to work together with the best interest of the College in mind. At the same time, Keena and Ashley met with Hazel to discuss the issue and a shared way forward in relation to the situation in this community that this creates. Keena and Ashley will lead our response related to the community.
Susie and I will work with Mike to determine what our response from a communications perspective should be. We will bring in outside consultation as needed. While Dr J is deeply concerned with resolving this situation appropriately, he and the team have all agreed that he cannot be the public face and voice of these efforts given his involvement. I will work closely with the Board and Cabinet to ensure our shared strategy reflects the Board’s vision and in close consultation with Mathew. 
I am happy to talk with anyone who would like more information.
Kelly

Hazel Lias Remarks

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!

Written by John Face

December 17, 2021

Later today City Watch will be releasing more information regarding the Hazel Lias and Mathew Johnson incident. City Watch would like to share this email sent from Kelly Finn, Johnsons’ Chief of Staff to members of the college’s Board of Trustees on Thursday.

In the document you will note that the college is discussing banning this writer from campus because City Watch has continued to report facts about President Mathew Johnson. They are also discussing banning two other Albion area residents. Stay tuned as later today City Watch will prove why this document is full of misstatements.

Kelly Finn Email

Kelly Finn

Dec 16

Notified 32 people

Dear Board of Trustees,
I am writing to clarify the events over the last few days and to provide context for all of you.
The events began last Friday when a small group of students (about 30) assembled on the Quad to protest the way the College had handled a student m3qental health issue. That issue led to the student being advised that they should take a medical leave to seek the care we were unable to provide. Leroy handled the issue expertly. However, the student claimed she was mistreated by the College and misrepresented what took place which led to a demonstration on campus. We made the decision that Dr J would not attend the demonstration and hold space for Leroy to lead as VP of Student Development. Dr J did not attend.
Three off-campus individuals came to the demonstration after having publicized it in the community. Those three individuals were:

1. Morris Arvoy, a former employee of the college who was involuntarily separated from the College when Bob was hired or thereabouts. He has been one of the members of the community agitating on social media. 
2. John Face, a local blogger who has been providing misinformation for months.
3. Maurice Barry, a member of the Black community who often interacts with students.

As reported by Leroy and Ashley, who stood outside with students for over two hours, the three individuals from off campus were contributing to the escalation of the demonstration in a variety of ways. The escalation became so caustic that Leroy was personally attacked. That evening and over the weekend, Dr J reached out to Leroy to support him. Late Sunday he wrote Dr J a long text expressing his appreciation for the support and sharing that over the weekend he had considered resigning because of the attack on him. He finished that message saying he was now in a better place and looking forward to the Cabinet retreat that we were heading into on Monday and Tuesday. 
On Monday at the Cabinet retreat, Dr J made space for Leroy to share about how he felt with the team. We processed it together as a Cabinet for about 45 minutes or so. He said he felt affirmed by the support. We lightly discussed as a team that there needed to be a more proactive approach to managing the off-campus participants but moved into the retreat proper. Dr J discussed privately with Leroy and Keena and me the possibility of banning them from campus. We all agreed to think on it for a few days as we were away at the retreat anyway.
On Tuesday we all came home from the retreat in the evening. Dr J went directly to the basketball game to say a few words about Jeff Weedman’s generous gift and the dedication of the game. After the halftime events, Hazel Lias approached Dr J and asked about the t-shirts that were made for the game. A limited number were made and they had all been given out. He retrieved the one that was designated for him from the bleachers and held it up, handing it to her. As he did, he asked her for help with addressing Maurice’s part on Friday explaining that he didn’t want to overreact. Hazel had offered to Dr J to call on her for help at any time and he was trying to ask for her help. She said to him that she would take care of it and they parted ways on what he thought was a positive interaction. Joe and Donna Calvaruso witnessed the interaction.
Nevertheless, his words, actions, and perhaps tone offended Hazel. She reached out to Marc and told him so. Marc informed us of that on Wednesday morning and Dr J asked for his help and guidance as well as Keena’s with making amends. Dr J also texted an apology to Hazel immediately. She responded and asked for a one-on-one. Dr J apologized in that meeting and she said she accepted the apology and forgave him.
Today, at 6 am Hazel called Dr J to assure him she did not have anything to do with the social media reports, that she will do her best to correct the record that he never touched her, and that she will tell anyone that she has forgiven him. She also asked that we share the same with anyone who asks. 
We met with the Cabinet this morning and we discussed the situation. Marc is very upset by it as he has familial and other connections to Hazel. At one point he excused himself from the meeting. Keena explained to the cabinet that because of community expectations Marc may feel he has to leave Albion because of his responsibility to support Hazel even though she has accepted the apology. Dr J asked the team to step forward as a team and work together on this as Dr J cannot lead the response because of the role he played and the issues being litigated in public. 
We met as a team after our earlier conversation, talked through the issues and agreed to work together with the best interest of the College in mind. At the same time, Keena and Ashley met with Hazel to discuss the issue and a shared way forward in relation to the situation in this community that this creates. Keena and Ashley will lead our response related to the community.
Susie and I will work with Mike to determine what our response from a communications perspective should be. We will bring in outside consultation as needed. While Dr J is deeply concerned with resolving this situation appropriately, he and the team have all agreed that he cannot be the public face and voice of these efforts given his involvement. I will work closely with the Board and Cabinet to ensure our shared strategy reflects the Board’s vision and in close consultation with Mathew. 
I am happy to talk with anyone who would like more information.
Kelly