Spring Break
One student's quest for redemption
Alexia Lang
Issue date: 6/1/09 Section: News
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Kwame Turner, who just graduated with a degree in Film and Political Science with plans to attend Law School at St. Louis University, has had a challenging past couple years by most people's standards.
But he now says he became a stronger person because of it.
"The only thing I can think that came out of all of this bad stuff that has happened to me is that it allowed me to go home and become a man," Turner said. "I used to think I was invincible."
Turner's string of bad luck began in August 2006 when he was not allowed to enroll in classes because of an outstanding debt he owed to the university.
As a result of not being enrolled, he was forced to resign from his position as comptroller for the Student Government Association (SGA).
Despite his situation, he continued going to classes while he spoke with administration about enrolling, and he showed up for SGA meetings.
The straw that broke the camel's back came in October 2006 when Turner was accused by a fellow student of sexual misconduct.
After three years at UMKC serving as an RA, orientation leader, cheerleader and comptroller, he moved back to St. Louis with his family and began taking visiting courses at UMSL.
But each semester, he returned to UMKC to inquire about enrollment.
After nearly a year of waiting and three court appearances, Turner was eventually cleared of all charges. The reason the proceedings were extended so long was that UMKC had to go through an approval process to release the security tapes from the room where the alleged act occurred.
"I could say I thank my public defender," he said. "But I thank God there was a surveillance tape, because without that I would not have had a chance."
Turner said being cleared by the court was just the beginning of the recovery process. His name had been blemished in more ways than one.
"When I tried to get a job, employers would Google my name and newspaper articles about the issue would come up," he said. "I am a nervous wreck when I apply for a job or an internship."
But he was determined to succeed. So he decided to try, once again, to return to school.
Last June, Turner returned to UMKC and started summer school. He was allowed to enroll full-time.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Austin Case
posted 8/05/09 @ 10:49 PM CST
I couldn't be more happy for this guy! Here is a guy that was screwed over by the university in every way possible, but still bleeds umkc. Most students will never have to deal with the kind of stuff Kwame has, and they should be thankful, as I am sure most would fail where he has succeeded. (Continued…)
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