The Region - News from May 1, 1987

Administrators at California State University, Long Beach, decided not to suspend a student accused of giving a friend a 65-cent discount on a 70-cent package of gum while employed at the campus book store. The decision came after more than 300 angry supporters surrounded the administration building, causing it to close its doors for three hours while campus and city police stood guard. “I’m not a criminal,” said Annette Kenoly, 19, a nursing and black studies major who is secretary of the Black Students Union. “I have suffered a great deal from this and I want the administration to know that we will no longer stand this harassment.” The students were protesting what they believed to be the university’s intention to suspend Kenoly from classes for a year, a punishment they considered racist and severe. Instead, John Shainline, vice president of student services, decided to put her on three months’ probation. Shainline denied any racist motives.