Getting around campus at NIU has been more than just a stop-and-go issue lately.

The Student Association Mass Transit Board (SAMTB) and NIU student Paul Robinson have a difference of opinion on the issue of riding NIU’s Freedom Mobile.

The Freedom Mobile, funded by the SAMTB, is a van which is accessible to mobility and visually-handicapped students, and transports them to and from their classes and around DeKalb.

On Aug. 26 and 28, Robinson, who is visually impaired, called for and received rides on the Freedom Mobile, from Neptune West to the music building area.

These rides were in violation of SAMTB policy which restricts campus-to-campus, or class-to-class rides, until November. Robinson said he was not aware of the policy.

At a meeting of the SAMTB on Sept. 2, Robinson raised the issue of being denied access to the Freedom Mobile, but was quieted by Sue Reinhardt, coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities.

Reinhardt said she quieted Robinson because his issue was a personal issue, and she felt it would be better handled in a private meeting where the issue could be discussed separately.

Robinson then was informed by Reinhardt that he was in violation of SAMTB policy because of the rides and was issued a warning.

He did not agree with the warning so he called Christi Kret, SAMTB chairperson, to set up a lunch meeting to discuss the issue. Kret cancelled the meeting, wanting to meet in a more official atmosphere, due to the nature of the issue.

After Robinson was issued the warning, he received one more Freedom Mobile ride from campus-to-campus which again was in violation of SAMTB policy.

Robinson then was informed by Kret that his riding privileges were suspended for one week. In order for the suspension to be lifted, he had to meet with Kret.

After Robinson’s suspension, his name was announced over the Huskie Bus Line radio, informing drivers he was not to be admitted onto any of the buses or the Freedom Mobile.

Robinson said he feels his civil rights were violated because due process was not followed in informing him or anyone else that his privileges were restricted.

“I have made many attempts to meet with these people to resolve the issue and been denied every time,” Robinson said.

Kret said there are three issues which are being addressed.

“The first issue is that Robinson was in violation of SAMTB policy, the second is that his name was broadcast over the radio and third that he would like to apply for an exemption to the policy,” Kret said.

Rick Clark, associate director of University Programming and Activities, said NIU stands behind the SAMTB’s decision. “If he wants to sue NIU, let him, we will fight it all the way,” Clark said.