Public statements are being sought by the committee chosen to review NIU Police Chief Donald Grady's performance.

The committee met today "to set a framework, establish guidelines and begin its evaluation," according to an Office of Public Affairs press release.

Signed, written statements regarding the matter will be accepted until noon Wednesday and will be reviewed by the committee during the review process. All statements must include contact information for verification purposes.

The release said NIU would respect the privacy of all individuals involved and that the panel's proceedings would not be made public.

"NIU officials will make public final decisions that emerge after reviewing the findings and recommendations of the advisory panel," the release said.

The members of the review committee was named Thursday. John L. Nickels, a former Illinois Supreme Court justice, was named as the chair of the review committee.

Joining Nickels on the committee is Marlon C. Lynch, associate vice president for safety and security at the University of Chicago, and Robert T. Marshall, Jr., a retired higher education administrator who recently served as vice president for student services at South Suburban College in South Holland.

At least one more member will be appointed to the panel, but the statement does not list details.

BACKGROUND

On Oct. 8, the Star published an editorial that called for Grady to be removed from his position as NIU Police Chief. Later that evening, the university announced that “it acknowledges the assertions and concerns raised [in the editorial].”

Grady was placed on leave Friday pending a 30-day review of his performance. Williams said in a statement Sunday that an outside review panel will handle the situation.

DeKalb Police Chief Bill Feithen told the DeKalb Daily Chronicle Saturday that he supports the removal of Grady, a stance he reiterated Wednesday in a Star article.

The University Police have been asked to comment on the Star’s coverage of Grady and the situation itself. They have declined and are forwarding all questions and comments to Williams.

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