University of Idaho professor banned from campus after alleged ‘meth use’ and ‘access to firearms’

Meg Maclean by Meg Maclean

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University of Idaho Journalism professor Denise Bennett was recently placed on administrative leave, and was banned from the school’s Moscow campus Wednesday for “meth use and access to guns,” according to a Vandal Alert sent out this morning.

The alert also encouraged individuals to call 9-1-1 if she was seen on campus. She was originally placed on leave for emails she sent to University of Idaho administration over grant money.

In a statement to KXLY, the University of Idaho communications director said that “concerning behavior has caused university leadership to heighten awareness of everyone on campus.”

Bennett has taught at the school since 2006.

University president Chuck Staben released a statement on Thursday detailing the situation. He said that due to information obtained by law enforcement, the university was concerned about the “safety of the campus community” after Bennett’s conduct in recent days.

Regarding the alert that was went out, Staben also said that the university was concerned about a protest in favor of Bennett that had been planned which resulted in an “increase in seriousness.” The university was also unaware of Bennett’s location at the time, and did not know if she would attend the protest.

Staben added that the university will continue to enforce Bennett’s ban from campus. He also said the university will continue to engage with Bennett about her future employment at the University of Idaho.

Students enrolled in her classes will attend class as usual, and the classes will be taught by other faculty members. To read his Staben’s statement, click here.

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COPYRIGHT 2020 BY KXLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.