Some Baylor law students irked after prom dinner closes part of library

Reported in The Waco Tribune

The dean of Baylor Law School said he was wrong to let his son use part of the school’s library for a high school prom dinner Saturday evening as law students prepared for finals.

Some law students were upset Saturday when they learned that the library would not be available to them between 4 and 8 p.m., as Dean Brad Toben’s son and about 40 classmates were using a portion of the library for the dinner. Final exams for the spring quarter began Saturday and run through Friday....

“I have come to the conclusion that my judgment in this matter . . . was poor,” Toben said via cell phone. “I have discerned very clearly that some of my students and one or more of my colleagues are very upset about the use of this space, especially during exam time. They are right.”

“I am very sorry for this, and I apologize, and I understand that I have no doubt lost the confidence of many, and I will move forth accordingly,” the law school dean said.

Downing said some students thought the dinner was not a “big deal” and that Toben’s expression of remorse was sufficient.

“An apology is the best thing because we just feel insulted,” she said. “We just want respect.”

Toben said all classrooms in the law school were to remain unlocked until 2 a.m. and that the library would open early on Sunday for students to study.