POLL: Should Student who Threatened Kent State be Expelled?

Wilburforce July 31, 2012 at 11:58 am

Hoping the Judge will have him examined throughly by medical professionals monitored for an extended period of time and expelled from KSU.
Is this criminal behavior or mental health issue ...maybe both.

John Ladany July 31, 2012 at 01:37 pm

Absolutely should be exspelled and banned from campus. He should be required to have counseling so he can realize how serious his treat was.

Elliot Ness July 31, 2012 at 01:45 pm

Expelled....In this day and age you can't tell the sharks from the guppies. He needs serious mental care, and should never be able to own any kind of gun. At his age, he knows this was terribly wrong. Especially after Aurora Colorado. Its no joke, life has changed for all of us. What else can law enforcement do except treat ANY threat as a credible threat. He threatend to use a gun. A long probation period with mandated mental health care should be the minimum for his actions.

Rick Bonath July 31, 2012 at 02:19 pm

There is no doubt in my mind that this young man needs to be expelled from campus. Historically, regarding past shootings, there were signs that went either unnoticed or just dismissed as whetever. This "tweet" could be his cry for help. Either way, the general public on campus, needs to be protected from any threat such as this. If he remains on campus, this could be a recipe for disaster. It's a reality check for all concerned. Make the right choice.

Richard Ian Tracy July 31, 2012 at 02:43 pm

While I agree he should be monitored & certainly evaluated professionally, most psychos don't 'tweet' community warnings.
His threats aren't something that should be ignored (which they certainly haven't been) but I'm not sure wrecking his entire life is a just punishment for a teenager acting out (and that is most likely what this is -- not certainly! -- but most likely). I'm quite sure he only expressed his anger the way he did BECAUSE he goes to Kent & the very association with the word 'shooting' -- ie, "I'm pissed off! What is the most inflammatory thing I can say about this place?" Maybe he's a dangerous loon! Or maybe he's just a kid spouting off, akin to you as a teenager telling your parents you hate them when you really don't mean it. I certainly hope he is evaluated WELL and monitored -- but I also hope he isn't a mouthy kid who had a hissy fit in one moment of one day who will now lose everything over a tweet.

Kristina D. July 31, 2012 at 06:29 pm

He should be gone...he's a big kid now and is at an age where he is responsible for his actions. If we don't make people responsible for their actions what does that teach? He should've thought about what he said if it was just him venting anger, there is no excuse for that! As a KSU Employee I am very glad he was arrrested, I just hope he stays off of campus. I don't need to come to work worrying every day about whether or not this crazy kid is going to come and shoot people.

Amanda July 31, 2012 at 06:33 pm

I'm more with Richard on this one. I get the impression this may just be an immature young man who runs his mouth too much. I can see how Twitter can "feel" private while, in reality, it belongs to the public sphere (especially if your tweets aren't restricted!)
I'd like to know more about what was going on. For example is there any evidence that he really intended violence at all?!? (Other than a tweet no one seems to have the full text of!?) After all, who hasn't said something that could be construed as violent to a friend? Luckily private remarks aren't monitored by the Thought Police! I'm glad KSU is making this effort to look out for its community and certain unfortunate events like the recent Chardon shooting have brought these social media venues to light. However I really believe a lot of this depends on intent and would prefer to see KSU delay judgement until they have more information.

Mary August 1, 2012 at 12:25 am

Thank you for what you've written. I agree whole-heartedly.

talaktochoba August 1, 2012 at 12:37 pm

sorry, but pranks--if this is one--cross the line when they threaten the life and health of others, however unintentionally;
Kent State is certainly no stranger to life and death violence, so must respond much more quickly and thoroughly if KSU do not want their reputation to be tainted like Virginia Tech or Penn State or worse--go back to the 1960s; yes, get this young man medical care, but the welfare of the other students is just as paramount;

Dave August 1, 2012 at 02:59 pm

I think he should be evaluated, obviously, but if it's determined that he's just a kid pulling a prank, or an angsty teen just looking for attention, then i think a suspension is all that's warranted. I'm sure many kids have said things along those lines, obviously not meaning it, so just because he said it on social media doesn't mean he needs to be expelled. No college kid should be able to have a gun on campus, but that's another topic.

Matt Fredmonsky (Editor) August 1, 2012 at 03:01 pm

Kent State University has placed Koberna on "interim suspension" pending due process of the criminal charges. Here's the story: http://patch.com/A-w76P

jeff clark August 2, 2012 at 03:56 pm

He needs to grow up! has,t he watched the news lately.

Janie August 3, 2012 at 03:05 pm

I think he needs to be banned from KSU. People in this generation have not been taught well by their parents OR their teachers - it's my generation to blame, I realize... but it's typical nowadays to say, "Oh, that's just a kid thing..." and let such behavior continue to the detriment of the kid and all those around him or her.

jiim may September 9, 2012 at 03:53 am

He needs to be banned from life. A public hanging at kent state to send a message