On June 19, an official from Morgan State University in Baltimore sent media adviser Denise Brown a letter explaining that although she had "helped to significantly improve the quality of life" for students and faculty, her contract would not be renewed.

The letter followed a June 12 memorandum in which the Floyd Taliaferro III, director of the university student center and student activities, informed Brown that renewal of her contract would depend on whether or not his demand to meet with students was met.

"It doesn't make sense," said Brown, who said she is considering legal action.

According to the memo, Vice President for Student Affairs Ricardo Perry requested in February to meet individually with four reporters from the Spokesman in connection with stories that were published in that month's issue. It went on to state that a meeting was set up, but no one attended.

The stories, three of which were editorials, questioned the handling of student government funds including inaccuracies in the budget. In one story, Spokesman reporter Reginald Larkin quoted an unnamed SGA source that said the university's administration withheld records of "peculiar" monetary transactions from the public.

Following the June 12 memorandum, Brown sent a letter on her students' behalf asking for a group meeting but never heard back.

"We knew of no such meeting," said Brown. "None of the persons in the letter were notified of the meeting."

Brown, who is a 2002 MSU graduate, began advising Promethean, the school's yearbook in 2003. In 2005, Brown also took over advising the student newspaper, the Spokesman.

According to Brown, during her time at the university she has never received an evaluation.

Brown has since contacted College Media Advisers for help. Chris Evans, CMA lead investigator for the case said he is nearing the end of his preliminary investigation and waiting for a response from the administration.

Evans, citing the June 12 memo, said he has not seen a case like this with clear evidence that the administration removed the adviser based on student content. He said that it is possible the university violated both the students' rights as well as those of the adviser.

"I do believe that Denise is being held liable for actions of her students," said Evans. "It's just not looking good for Morgan State."

Brown said that in addition to fighting for her job, she is concerned about how her students will fare while she is gone.

"They are continually in violation with the students," said Brown. "My real concern is that while the students are trying to fight in my absence, there is nowhere on that campus for the students to go. Their only recourse is to seek legal counsel and a public outcry."

Kevin Smith, editor-in-chief of the Spokesman, said that Brown's removal has proven, at least to him, the intentions of the administration.

"I feel like it's an outright blatant move on their part to try and hinder us as to what we're trying to do as a paper," said Smith. "I almost feel like they think we are unnecessary or not needed."

According to Smith, Evans and Brown, the university has temporarily placed Natasha Lewis in Brown's stead. Lewis is also assistant coordinator for the office of Student Activities.

"We've taken a great hit having Lewis in the position," said Smith.

Taliaferro referred the SPLC to the university's public relations office for comment. However, no calls were returned by press time.