Dear Editor:
I will begin by expressing the fact that I have reservations about the death of Michael McKinney. The explanation of his death is certainly questionable. I have concerns about why and how he was killed. However, this editorial isn't about my concerns of Michael McKinney's death. It pertains to the intent of the lawsuit at hand. Of course, if this was a member of my family I would be infuriated at best, but I must question the goals of the plaintiff(s) in this case.
It seems the only goal of this lawsuit is to impair Ball State University in any way possible, financially and by demeaning the university's reputation. I would like to point out, however, that by taking money from the university, it is not Ball State who will pay. The people bearing the burden will be the innocent faculty, staff, and mainly students of Ball State. I was appalled when Mr. Fieger, the lawyer for the McKinney family, stated that "students should be more concerned about the fact that a police officer can kill a student without being reprimanded" than bearing the financial burden this lawsuit will issue on the students. Is it possible that Fieger is more concerned with the hefty percentage of the award money he will be receiving than giving the family the best advice he can?
McKinney's mother said that she felt a responsibility to Ball State students and she wanted to go through with this lawsuit to keep other students from suffering her son's fate. If Mrs. McKinney and the remaining family members wish to live up to this responsibility why do they want to take money away from Ball State? The university will definitely be unable to improve its police department without the funding to do so.
My suggestion to the family of Michael McKinney would be to allow his memory to live on in the minds and hearts of students forever. A lawsuit such as this one will likely be forgotten in a matter of a few years. However, initiating a scholarship in Michael's name or beginning a sort of foundation in his honor will enable students to recognize Michael for the rest of the university's existence and the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, no amount of award money will bring him back in body, but through certain medium his
memory will live on. It is important to weigh all the options and grieve for the right person. Michael is the focus of the regrettable situation and I think it needs to stay that way.
Terry Mauerstudent
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