Laura Dickinson collection

Collection

Identifier: 017.LD

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Laura Dickinson collection provides information related to the murder of Laura Dickinson, the trials of Orange Taylor, and the resulting scandal concerning the university's failure to disclose in a timely fashion that Dickinson had been murdered. The material dates from 2006 to 2010, with the majority of the collection being from 2007-2008. There are press clippings related to the murder investigation, trial, and scandal, correspondence from and media coverage related to university administrators, with particular focus on President John Fallon and Vice President James Vick, the U.S. Department of Education program review report, the independent investigation by Butzel Long, P.C., and the university's violation of the Clery Act.

Dates

Creation: 2006 - 2010

Language of Materials

All records are in English unless otherwise noted.

Conditions Governing Access

Researchers are asked to request materials 24 hours prior to visiting the the University Archives.

Historical note

Laura Dickinson was an EMU student who was raped and murdered in her dorm room on December 13, 2006. Another EMU student, Orange Taylor III, was convicted of her murder in April 2008. As a result of the scandal that followed the university's failure to disclose in a timely fashion that Dickinson was murdered, several administrators lost their jobs or retired, including President John Fallon, Vice President for Student Affairs James Vick, and Director of Public Safety Cindy Hall. Additionally, the university was fined $350,000 for not complying with the Clery Act, which requires that colleges and universities disclose information about crimes on campus.

Extent

0.4 Linear Feet (1 archives box)

Additional Description

Abstract

Newspaper clippings, correspondence, and reports related to the murder of student Laura Dickinson in 2006, the trials and conviction of Orange Taylor, and the resulting scandal over the university's failure to disclose in a timely fashion that Dickinson was murdered which cost several top administrators their jobs, including President John Fallon, Vice President for Student Affairs James Vick, and Director of Public Safety Cindy Hall.

Arrangement of Materials

The collection is arranged into three series: 1. Media Coverage and Responses, which includes general press coverage of the case, responses from officials in the university administration and the Board of Regents, and reactions from the campus community. 2. Investigation and Trials, which covers material related to the arrest and trials of Orange Taylor. 3. Reports, which includes information on the Clery Act, the U.S. Department of Education's program review, and the Butzel Long independent investigation and report.

Related Materials

The Report of the Independent Investigation Into Eastern Michigan University's Response to the Death of Student Laura Dickinson (June 8, 2007) by Butzel Long, P.C. is available in the University Archives Reading Room.