I just finished writing a post that challenged the assertion that the world is going straight to hell in a handbasket. It seems sadly ironic that moments later I’m writing about a college dean stabbed on campus in Missouri.

Jackson County prosecutors have alleged that Casey Brezik, a student at Metropolitan Community College-Penn Valley, stabbed Al Dimmitt Jr., the campus dean of instruction. Brezik was wearing a bullet-proof vest and rushed Dimmitt, slashing his throat. Chancellor Mark James intervened in the situation and helped wrestle the knife away from Dimmitt. James suffered a minor cut to his chest in the process.

Dimmitt was taken to a hospital; he is in stable condition and his injuries do not appear to be life threatening. Governor Jay Nixon was scheduled to speak at the school 20 minutes later. It is unknown if the stabbing was related, but police suspect that it may have been. Casey Brezik has recently posted politically motivated rants on his Facebook page, including indications that he is an anarchist. Further, the bullet proof vest is certainly an odd item of apparel to wear unless one is preparing for a battle. Police also found marijuana in Brezik’s front pocket, thought that’s the least of his problems.

Chancellor James posted a detailed response to the event, which reads in pertinent part:

Related Resources:

“We will not become an armed encampment hiding behind metal detectors but will be a beacon of education and instruction secured by an ongoing commitment to the best processes in prevention, intervention, response, and mitigation. Our campuses are no less safe than any other public venue. Yesterday’s incident was the first of its kind in MCC’s 95-year history and we need to keep that in perspective as we emotionally process this event.”

  • Chancellor Mark James Letter to MCC Students and Colleagues (mcckc.edu)
  • Assault/Battery (FindLaw)
  • What does it mean if I have been charged with an “attempt”? (FindLaw)

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