Apology Demand From FAMU Students

Updated: Mon 5:49 PM, Mar 29, 2004

Some Florida A&M University students are demanding a public apology from a Tallahassee city commissioner. The FAMU students say Mark Mustian discredited them by assuming their involvement in a recent rally was not sincere.

On February 25, a rally over rising utility bills drew dozens to Tallahassee City Hall, many of them students, but in a March 10 City Commission meeting, Commissioner Mark Mustian questioned the FAMU students’ motives and who was behind their attendance.

“This is what I was told, that these students were in a class that was required to be there to further the instructor's political purpose,” says Mustian.

That instructor was FAMU professor and county commissioner, Bill Proctor.

Mustian says the rally was a staged event to further the misconception the city charges different rates for different utility customers.

“Wasn't there for a grade. Commissioner Proctor did not tell me to go there for extra credit. It was never brought up,” says Rikkia Rellford, a FAMU sophomore.

FAMU students held a press conference Monday asking Mustian for a public apology and making a comment based on misinformation.

Tiffany Parker, a FAMU sophomore, says, “That reflects badly on the County Commission and us. Now we have to hold a press conference instead of backing the commission.”

Mustian says he has apologized via e-mail and is sorry if the students felt discredited. However, he does not apologize for what he calls a mean spirited campaign against the city.

Health and Safety During the Holiday Weekend

Commenting Policy

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

For more on WCTV’s policy regarding viewer comments or to report an offensive comment, click here.

Today's Events

Saturday May 25

Click Here to Submit and View Events

Tweets by @WCTV