A University of Minnesota mortuary science student was banned from campus after a Facebook post left three faculty members feeling threatened, according to a police report. Amanda Tatro, 29, was questioned by University police Monday when she got to class concerning multiple remarks on her profile from last week. The posts were about using a trocar âÄî a sharp medical instrument used on deceased bodies âÄî âÄúto stab a certain someone in the throat.âÄù According to the police report, a Dec. 6 post stated âÄúTatro is looking forward to MondayâÄôs embalming therapy âĦ Give me room, lots of aggression to be taken out with a trocar.âÄù In a post the following day, Tatro stated she had a lingering desire to stab someone with the instrument, adding âÄúHmmm âĦ perhaps I will spend the evening updating my âÄúDeath List #5âÄù and making friends with the crematory guy. I do know the code âĦâÄù Tatro told UMPD that the comment was made about her fiancé, whom she said broke up with her unexpectedly last week. She said she was joking, according to the police report. However, Michael Lubrant , program director for mortuary science in the Medical School, told police an October incident between him and Tatro led him to believe that she âÄúmay have some ill feelings toward him,âÄù according to the police report. The report stated that the faculty members were informed of the Facebook comments and âÄúdid not feel comfortable having [Tatro] in the labâÄù Monday. Police also questioned Kristen Odden who commented on TatroâÄôs post. Odden said she thought Tatro was referring to Lubrant, though she believed it was meant as a joke, according to the police report. Lubrant referred the Daily to an Academic Health Center spokesperson who did not immediately return calls for comment. The issue will be reviewed by the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Inquiry, University spokesman Dan Wolter said in an e-mail. Student privacy rights prevented Wolter from commenting on TatroâÄôs specific case. In general, Wolter said, âÄúthe University takes threats of violence âÄî and a pattern of threatening behavior âÄî very seriously. We have 52,000 students on the Twin Cities campus and have an obligation to err on the side of caution.âÄù Though Tatro faces no criminal charges, she is not allowed to âÄúreturn to the [University] until further notice,âÄù according to the police report. Wolter said she does have the right to participate in the OSCAIâÄôs review. She will also be afforded the right to make up any missed coursework after the process is complete.
U student suspended after threatening remarks on Facebook
A formal review by the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Inquiry will determine if any steps need to be taken.
Published December 16, 2009
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