Students allege civil rights violation at Rogers State University

A criminal investigation at Rogers State University is sparking campus protests over the civil rights of the accused students. <br><br>Protesters say three students were taken from class, held by armed

Tuesday, January 21st 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

A criminal investigation at Rogers State University is sparking campus protests over the civil rights of the accused students.

Protesters say three students were taken from class, held by armed guards, questioned, and then they say two were unfairly expelled and the third was put on probation. Their classmates say they're accused of violating the Oklahoma Computer Crimes act, they say the school has not provided any proof.

Demonstrators also allege one student was fired from a job working with school computers after including religious messages in his e-mails. But, Claremore Police say this case has nothing to do with religion. Back in July, after being alerted by RSU administrators, investigators say they uncovered a trail of computer hacking.

Investigator Tim Norris with Claremore Police, "I wish that the citizens in Claremore and around the college area would give the college and us a chance to explain our point but they don't understand it right now. There are a lot of facts being thrown out there that are not correct. Facts that they're being deceived and misled with and that once charges are filed or when we get to a point where we can go into more detail we will reveal what the true facts are in the case.â€

Neither student has been charged. The Rogers County District Attorney will decide that in the next month or so. One of the students has filed a lawsuit against the school.

Attorneys for both of the expelled students are petitioning the court to reverse RSU's decision and reinstate them. They maintain the students were interrogated in violation of their constitutional rights, and that the University did not produce specific charges or substantial evidence against them.