Maxwell weighs legal options

Attorney says Western removed requirement for psychological evaluation, left other conditions intact

By: Erin Huggins

Posted: 4/1/09

According to attorney James Leuenberger, Western affirmed the suspension of Jeffrey L. Maxwell after receiving a letter of appeal from Maxwell near the end of winter term. Leuenberger said Western eliminated the psychological evaluation but did not change any other terms.
Leuenberger is drafting a complaint "alleging that WOU staff and students and the Monmouth police violated Mr. Maxwell's civil rights."
Maxwell is working with Salem attorney Jess Barton and has several weeks to decide whether he will file a judicial challenge to Western's disciplinary action.
Kevin Starrett of Oregon Firearms Federation (OFF) said OFF will be filing a lawsuit. Named parties will include Western, Monmouth Police Department and the students who served on the judicial board for Maxwell's hearing.
Tina Fuchs, dean of judicial affairs, said she could not provide any information about the case, due to confidentiality guidelines outlined in FERPA.