Contact: Joe Farris
A student environmental group at Mississippi State has been cleared by a university investigation of involvement with area hog farm vandalism.
"We feel very confident as a result of our inquiries that SCAPE (Students Concerned About Protecting the Environment) was not involved in any way with these incidents," said Dean of Students Mike White.
Four current students and a former student have been charged by the Oktibbeha County sheriff's department in connection with vandalism in April and May at an Oktoc community hog farm. The students face campus judicial hearings in addition to off-campus legal proceedings.
Investigators had publicly speculated on a link between the incidents and SCAPE, a registered student organization that sponsors an annual Earth Day observance and supports projects such as recycling efforts.
"We have talked with the faculty adviser and the president of the organization and we are satisfied that SCAPE has done nothing wrong," said Roy Ruby, vice president for student affairs. "We appreciate the group's contributions to the university and the community and regret any embarrassment they have suffered."