It has been a P.R. nightmare for Clarion University and an uncomfortable situation for its unassuming students and faculty. That is what the predicament of having a potential criminal enrolled here in Clarion.

Franklin man Devin Stevenson is currently awaiting trial for two counts of criminal attempt-criminal homicide felony, one along with a variety of other charges including aggravated assault and possession of a contraband substance.

Witnesses say that Stevenson shot two victims in a drug deal gone wrong in Edinboro University. Without knowing of his potentially criminal background, Clarion University allowed Stevenson to enroll.

Stevenson’s modified $150,000 bail allowed him to reside on Main Street adjacent to the campus. For a while, none expected Stevenson’s potential criminal involvement that led Edinboro to suspend and ban him from the school.

It took Clarion several days to come to a decision and make the announcement regarding Stevenson’s status at Clarion. On Friday, Sept. 18, Director of Marketing and Communication David Love gave this statement:

“Although we cannot discuss details, we can report that Mr. Stevenson is no longer enrolled at Clarion.”

The student-run newspaper on campus, “The Clarion Call,” reported the topic to students and faculty on the front page of its paper a day prior to Love’s announcement. They were careful not to implicate Stevenson and phrase things in such a way as to tell readers that Stevenson is innocent until proven guilty.

The trial for Stevenson is scheduled at 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 9 in the Erie County Court of Common Pleas. Stevenson will be tried for all nine types of his charges that can be seen here at exploreClarion: http://exploreclarion.com/2015/09/18/man-facing-at....

In Stevenson’s defense, he said that the two victims were trying to steal from him and that his attack was only made in self-defense. Stevenson was found to have $2,000 of marijuana on him.

The two victims shot were initially listed in critical condition with one being transported by ambulance and the other by helicopter to UPMC Hamot Hospital in Erie.

To learn more of my thoughts on how this incident stacks up against complete journalistic transparency and the safety of the public, click here to listen to my podcast on the matter: