Fairness Should Mean Punishment For Michigan State Student Who Falsely Alleged Hate Crime

By Brian Wheeler | bwheele1@mlive.com

EAST LANSING, MI — Michigan State University's reputation was dirtied twice in late August by students with wild — and from what authorities say, false — tales. Brandon Carmack said he was beaten by student athletes. Now, he faces criminal charges, accused of filing a false report, stalking an ex-girlfriend and instigating a fight.

Carmack will face consequences if found guilty in court. Not Zachary Tennen.

The 19-year-old told an even more amazing tale. Tennen, who is Jewish, said students assaulted him, stapled his mouth and said they belonged to the Ku Klux Klan, "making Nazi and Hitler symbols."

Not true. Not remotely true. Tennen fabricated every element of his story that suggested a hate crime. He was punched, but because of alleged lewd behavior at a party.

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http://www.mlive.com/lansing-news/index.ssf/2012/09/editorial_fairness_should_mean.html