The student who allegedly assaulted a campus police officer last month has been expelled from the University.
Junior Ciaran O'Donovan, 21, will be allowed to finish his courses this semester, but he is not allowed on campus for any other purpose. His expulsion goes into effect when finals period ends.
O'Donovan was involved in a fight with junior Tim Churella in the early morning of Wednesday, Nov. 23 in a house at 185 College Avenue. The fight spilled into the street, and Tufts University Police Department Officers Cheri Burton and Eric Morales and several Somerville officers responded to the scene.
O'Donovan ran across the street next to the blue light emergency phone on Lower Campus Road. Burton attempted to detain O'Donovan, but O'Donovan allegedly struck Burton, knocked her to the ground, pulled out her hair and shouted racial epithets at her. Burton is African-American.
When the other officers who responded intervened, O'Donovan allegedly shouted other racial and homophobic epithets and spat in an officer's face.
O'Donovan was first taken to the hospital and then detained by the Somerville Police Department.
According to O'Donovan's lawyer, Michael Schneider, O'Donovan is awaiting charges on disorderly conduct, assault and battery on a police officer and resisting arrest. He is due in Somerville court Jan. 23.
O'Donovan was previously arrested, along with junior Nathan Cleveland, by Somerville police Sept. 25 for walking on Curtis Avenue with open beer cans.
The city charges and additional ones of public intoxication, noise violation and acts of intolerance were used by the University to pursue expulsion.
O'Donovan received the official expulsion letter from the Dean of Students Office Monday, Dec. 5.
According to the School of Arts, Sciences and Engineering Student Judicial Process, parties involved in a disciplinary decision have ten days to appeal the ruling to the Committee on Student Life.
"We definitely intend to appeal it," Schneider said. Schneider will represent O'Donovan both in Somerville and at the University.
Appeals can be brought on two grounds: denial of fair process and new evidence. Schneider said the appeal would describe O'Donovan's character and what he called a "fuller development of the facts." Schneider would not elaborate on the specifics of the appeal.
"I am not shirking any responsibility," O'Donovan said. "I did what I did. I have nothing but regret."
O'Donovan said alcohol contributed to, but was not the sole cause of, the incident. He said his blood alcohol content was measured at .327. The legal limit for operating a vehicle in Massachusetts is .08.
"I do believe that had some effect on my mental state," he said.
Churella is not facing any disciplinary or legal action from the University or Somerville.
O'Donovan and Churella were members of this semester's men's cross country team. Team members said no formal discussion had taken place about the incident or O'Donovan's expulsion.
The team members were also supportive of O'Donovan. "I still see Ciaran as a friend," senior co-captain Matt Lacey said. "I just hope he can grow and move on and it doesn't essentially end his life."
Lacey said the topic may be discussed at a team meeting within the next few weeks.
Though he was present when police arrived, Churella stayed in front of the house and did not see the incident between O'Donovan and Burton. "We knew Ciaran, he's a good kid," Churella said. "None of our impressions change because of one night."
O'Donovan admitted his role in the incident but said his actions were out of anger and not hatred for any racial or ethnic group. "I can't apologize enough to anyone I may have offended," he said.
