A woman in her 50s named Dean Marjgerie Bennett sat behind a broad oak desk. Two folders were stacked in front of her. One had Maya's name, the other had Nicole's. Dean Bennett folded her hands. Ms. Brooks, this is not a disciplinary finding.
Maya waited. It is a preliminary review. Understand? A second complaint has now been submitted concerning your conduct. Nicole shifted beside her.
Maya did not. What does it allege that you confronted another student outside the athletic building and suggested there would be consequences if complaints continued? Maya's face stayed still. When yesterday morning, at what time? Dean Bennett checked the page.
Approximately 8:10, Maya reached into her bag. At 8:10 yesterday, she had been in physical therapy lab. Attendance electronically logged. Instructor present. 22 adult students present.
She placed a printed copy of her schedule on the desk. At 8:10, I was in human movement lab. Dean Bennett looked at it. Maya opened her notebook. I also have the instructor's attendance confirmation and the timestamp for my assignment upload at 8:07 from the lab terminal.
For the first time, something changed in the dean's expression. Not belief, complication. She glanced toward the folder again. The complainant may have the time wrong. Then what time are they claiming now?
Dean Bennett looked up. I am not changing anything, am I? Silence. Maya slid another page forward. Here are screenshots of the posts that began before the first complaint.
Here are the dates Tyler Grant asked student administration about the conduct conditions attached to my scholarship as relayed to Nicole. I labeled that information secondhand because I can't independently verify it yet. Dean Bennett looked at Nicole. Nicole nodded. Maya continued, "And here are the dates of both complaints."
The dean exhaled. Miss Brooks, I appreciate that you've been organized. Organized. The word irritated Maya more than it should have. She kept her voice level.
Then you understand why I'm concerned. Dean Bennett folded her hands again. I understand that there is conflict. No. Maya leaned forward slightly. There is a pattern.
The room went still. Nicole looked at her. Dean Bennett's face tightened. Be careful with that language. Why?
Because you're making an accusation. I'm showing you dates. Maya's heart was beating harder now. She could feel it in her throat. She breathed once slowly.
The university has warned me that another documented confrontation could trigger an immediate scholarship review. That is correct. And Tyler Grant asked about those conditions before the first complaint. Allegedly, yes, allegedly, Maya nodded, which is why I wrote it down that way. Dean Bennett did not answer.
Maya glanced around the office. Through the interior glass wall behind the dean's desk, part of the Grant Athletic Center was visible across the quad. The silver family name caught the afternoon light. Maya looked back at Bennett. If another complaint is filed tomorrow, what happens?