ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Bay College President Dr. Nerita Hughes has issued a statement on a situation that took place on the Escanaba campus.
On Wednesday, Bay College was notified of a situation that took place during a “third-party hosted event.” According to a press release, Bay College is actively investigating the situation in conjunction with Escanaba Public Safety.
“At Bay College, our mission is rooted in fostering student success, community success, and a culture of success that extends to every aspect of our campus experience—including safety,” Dr. Hughes said. “We are committed to providing a safe environment where everyone can learn, grow, and thrive together, recognizing that a secure campus is foundational to achieving our shared goals and empowering our community.”
Bay College says all reported incidents, including those regarding discrimination and harassment, are taken seriously. Anyone who feels they have been discriminated against, harassed, or suffered violence at Bay College should report to any Bay College staff member, report online, or call (800) 221-2001.
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UPDATE, 11/14/24:
On Thursday, Escanaba Area Public Schools Superintendent Coby Fletcher published a statement addressing the situation on the district’s Facebook page.
“The District is aware of the incident yesterday at Bay College in which a student from another school allegedly directed the statement ‘Your body, my choice’ at Escanaba students,” the statement began. “We are grateful for the Escanaba students who immediately spoke out against the statement at the time it was made, and we will continue to provide support to students involved using all available District resources.”
Fletcher wrote that while Escanaba Schools cannot investigate students from another school, the district is “collaborating in any way we can.”
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UPDATE, 11/15/24:
On Friday, Dr. Hughes’ office released another statement, saying the investigation found that “no parties involved” in the incident were associated with Bay College.
“Due to this,” the statement reads, “the College does not have the authority to proceed forward with further investigation. As appropriate, the College will collaborate with associated third-party organizations as part of their review of this situation.”
WZMQ 19 is reaching out to Escanaba Public Safety for more details and will update this story as it develops.
