Central Michigan University has barred a student from campus after a string of "concerning" comments appeared on CMU’s official social media accounts over the weekend. University leaders say campus police are in contact with the student and have been tracking the posts, but maintain there is no immediate threat to the university community. The case has been turned over to the Isabella County prosecutor for review while CMU and local law enforcement continue gathering information.
In a message to students and staff, the university said, "Law enforcement and others have been in touch with the individual, and there is no immediate threat to our campus community," according to CBS Detroit. CMU added that the student is banned from campus and would be arrested if they return. Officials also urged anyone with information to call the university’s non-emergency line at 989-774-3081. Administrators declined to release the exact wording of the posts while investigators and the prosecutor’s office review the case.
Campus reaction and class adjustments
While CMU kept normal operations in place, not everyone felt business as usual. Some students chose to stay away from campus, and several professors shifted their classes online in the wake of the social media comments, WNEM reported. In a letter to campus, President Neil MacKinnon acknowledged that the way the situation unfolded "felt threatening to students, faculty and staff" and admitted "we can do better" as CMU revisits how it communicates about incidents that create fear but do not meet the threshold for a formal alert. Students told local reporters they want clearer and faster updates as the investigation moves forward.
Police: Posts ‘concerning’ but not an imminent threat
CMU Police Chief Cameron Wassman said investigators have identified the person behind the multiple comments, but no arrests have been made so far, according to Central Michigan Life. He explained that officers are reviewing the posts as a whole and weighing whether the author had the means and opportunity to act on what was suggested. Wassman described the language as "certainly concerning" but said it did not clearly rise to the level of an imminent threat, as WILX reported. University officials said additional safety measures were put in place on campus while the investigation continues.
University pledges to tighten communications
Some students and parents criticized CMU for not sending broader alerts about the situation, arguing that rumors spread faster than official information. University leaders responded by stressing that CMU reserves its Central Alert system for credible threats to life safety, according to FOX 2 Detroit. At the same time, they said the university is revising its communication protocols so that it can share more timely, accurate updates when an incident sparks fear but does not trigger a full campus alert. CMU also reminded students that counseling services and CARE advocates are available for anyone who needs support.
What’s next
The investigation is now in the hands of the Isabella County Prosecutor’s Office, which will determine whether any criminal charges are appropriate. No arrests have been reported at this time, CBS Detroit noted. Meanwhile, campus police are asking anyone with information related to the posts or the investigation to call CMU’s non-emergency number at 989-774-3081 as the review continues.
