UWI student's eviction from Mary Seacole Hall upheld
February 25, 2009
The Supreme Court has turned down an application by a student of the University of the West Indies who sought to bar the institution from ordering her to vacate the Mary Seacole Hall where she was residing.
Vanessa Mason, a Trinidad and Tobago national, was informed by letter dated December 5, 2008 that she was to vacate the hall by December 22, 2008, pending further investigation.
Mason was allegedly involved in a dispute with another student. The issue was not resolved between Mason and the university and the letter was subsequently sent to her, pointing out that she had missed appointment for a hearing. The letter also stated that she was invited to attend a meeting with the Hall Disciplinary Committee for a rehearing but she did not attend. She was, however, represented by a lawyer, who said she was attending the meeting in the capacity as "a friend".
Unacceptable behaviour
It was disclosed in the letter that the meeting was aborted on account of unacceptable behaviour displayed by the lawyer. The letter further stated that based on the advice of the campus legal officer, "it is agreed that you vacate the hall as of Monday, December 22, 2008, pending further investigation of this matter"....
Author: Barbara Gayle
Source: Jamaica Gleaner
