Georgia university suspends advisor after claiming a black student was harassing her while seeking advisement

Student recorded encounter with advisor

A Georgia university is conducting an investigation after a black student was accused of harassment by a teacher for allegedly seeking an academic appointment.

Kevin Bruce, a senior at Kennesaw State University, uploaded a 30-second video of his apparent encounter with Abby Dawson, KSU’s Director of Advising and Internships. The exercise science student told My FOX Atlanta that he stopped by the WellStar College of Health and Human Services office to ask questions about his classes.

“Sitting here until someone is available is harassing them,” Ms Dawson responded, in the video which has now gone viral on social media with fellow students sharing their own encounters with racism on campus.

Tammy DeMel, KSU's communications director, sent along the following statement and when asked about the teacher’s complaint to police, said there was no further information available at this time.

“Kennesaw State University officials have placed an academic advisor on administrative leave pending a comprehensive investigation.

The investigation follows a student complaint against Abby Dawson, director of advising and internships in the Department of Exercise Science and Sport Management. The complaint stemmed from an interaction the student had with Ms Dawson on May 13, which was documented by the student and distributed via social media.

According to University officials, the investigation is expected to take approximately two weeks to complete.

‘Kennesaw State is dedicated to providing a positive academic experience for all students,’ said Ken Harmon, Kennesaw State’s provost and vice president for academic affairs. ‘We also have a responsibility to provide all students, faculty and staff with a fair and thorough review process.’"