AROUND HIGHER EDUCATION: NCSU athletes suspended for role in killing

The Technician RALEIGH, N.C. (U-WIRE) -- Two North Carolina State University athletes have been severely punished by the school for their alleged involvement in the shooting death of NCSU student Neil Davis. A hearing board comprised of faculty and students determined on Saturday that Harold Jackson, a sophomore fullback for the NCSU football squad, and David Stringer, a freshman wide receiver, violated the NCSU Student Code of Conduct by committing infliction or threat of bodily harm. Jackson received a four-semester academic suspension; Stringer is suspended for five semesters. According to administrators, NCSU could not disclose information regarding actions that might have been taken against the other athletes allegedly involved in Davis' death. Under federal law NCSU is only required to report the results of student trials in which a student is convicted of a violent crime or nonforcible sexual assault. On November 22, 1998, Stringer, Jackson and five others reportedly assaulted Davis after Davis fired shots toward a party being held at 4306 Hunter's Club Drive. Police say that, a handgun was discharged during the course of the assault, killing Davis. In addition to their suspensions, both students will have to complete 50 or more hours of community service and undergo a counseling assessment before returning to NCSU. If the students decide to return to NCSU after their suspension is completed, they will be on disciplinary probation for the remainder of their academic careers. NCSU students had mixed feelings about the results of the student trial. Freshman Kristen O'Day said the university was too lenient with Davis and Stringer. "It seems a little unfair," she said. "Because of what they did, they should have gotten more." Junior Marcus Thompson also felt Davis and Stringer got off easy. "I'm glad they are being punished," he said. "Someone's life was taken, so they should be punished. I'm surprised they weren't expelled." Neil Davis' parents were unavailable for comment at press time; however, according to WRAL-TV, they were upset about not being allowed to participate in disciplinary proceedings against those accused of involvement in their son's death. Both Stringer and Jackson have the right to appeal the results of the university trial to Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Tom Stafford. Both athletes, as well as numerous others charged in connection with Davis' death, still face criminal charges. According to reports, the hearings were conducted by the NCSU Judicial Board. The Judicial Board is the branch of student government that handles student judicial cases. The purpose of the board is to allow students who come before it a trial by their peers, although the hearings are not necessarily comparable to ones held in a court of law.