In John’s own words

Here is an excerpt of an e-mail John W. Crawford sent me on December. 23, 2012:

1. My conviction of the four counts was based on the judge's decision of NOT WHAT I HAD DONE, BUT WHAT I HAD NOT DONE. . . He determined that because I was acting advisor of the independent fraternity PHI SIGMA, who organized in the fall of 2011 hoping that by 2013 HSU would recognize them on campus, that I had the authority to close any social function where illegal activities were being conducted.

Problem: Advisors of college age groups do NOT have that authority. When renters rent, they assume their own responsibility for following laws. Advisors merely attend business meetings when they can and social functions when they can, and the latter is by invitation of the membership.

I was invited by 3 Brothers late that evening to visit for a while, meet some of the new recruits for the fall semester, and announce that Phi Sigma Phi, a national fraternity with past ties to Phi Sigs in history, would be sending a vice-president in the fall to visit HSU administration and the group in hopes of beginning colonization. The group had voted earlier to utilize risk management procedures for ALL social events during the university year. The three inviting me over assured me that risk management procedures (taking names, checking IDs) were being followed. I walked into a compromising situation without realizing it.

2. My restriction within 100 yards of campus for one year makes no sense at all, except that it is a way of keeping me from meetings and conducting rental business because my property I rent to the young men is across the street.

   I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY E-MAILS THAT YOUR GROUP MIGHT SEND.

How we can help

If you know John W., Crawford personally, or merely wish to send a message on his behalf as a member of the community of American poets, please send your e-mail message to Wendy Ledbetter, Editor, at wendylledbetter@gmail.com and include a copy of the e-mail to John’s attorney at mathislawfirm@gmail.com . Use “Crawford” to identify the topic of your message in your subject line. Please include your name, city, state, and e-mail address in the body of your message. John requests no negative or blameful remarks be made in order to avoid exacerbation of the situation. Thanks. May the muse be with you.     Wanda Sue Parrott, Editor

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