The former director of Kent State’s School of Health Sciences said she was experiencing a medical issue during a May 9 arrest on campus depicted in a now viral video and which led to her demotion.
Kent State University Police responded to a 911 call from Ellen Glickman asking for assistance with her key to Nixson Hall so she could use the restroom following that evening’s commencement ceremony, where advanced degrees were conferred.
When officers arrived, they said they noticed an odor of alcohol on her, according to an incident report.
Officers arrested Glickman, who was dressed in academic regalia, on the charge of disorderly conduct by intoxication after she refused to call for a ride.
Prosecutors dropped the charge after Glickman did community service and paid court costs.
She started a new faculty position Sept. 13, and the school appointed Mark Lyberger as acting director.
“We are aware of this incident, and she continues to be employed as a faculty member,” said a university spokesperson. “We do not comment on personnel matters.”
Glickman said she was not intoxicated and was experiencing health issues from stage 3a chronic kidney disease.
“I know who I am, and I know my body,” said Glickman, who told officers she had one drink that night in a colleague’s office and denied being intoxicated.
Officers did not perform field sobriety tests or a blood alcohol test before making the arrest.
Tricia Knoles, a sergeant with the department, said such tests are not necessary for a disorderly conduct by intoxication charge.
“We go by those verbal cues and physical cues that we are trained to observe,” Knoles said.
Officers noted Glickman had slurred speech and reduced motor skills, along with glassy eyes.
Glickman said she was sleep deprived and she asked officers several times for water while in custody, which she attributed to medical needs. Body camera footage from the arrest showed her asking for water. However, there is no mention of the request in the incident report.
Knoles said officers typically need to include such requests in the incident report to meet accreditation standards. In a follow-up email, Knoles said booking video showed the department provided Glickman with a bottle of water.
Glickman said, as a 62-year-old, officers should have handled her differently.
Officers observed Glickman’s wrists appeared too small for cuffs, according to the incident report. During the arrest, officers restrained Glickman with a RIPP Restraint – a lightweight strap – “to ensure she was still restrained if she was able to slip out of her handcuffs.”
The incident report mentions an injury to Glickman’s hands, adding that she denied medical attention other than a bandage. The injuries occurred after she fell to the ground during her arrest, according to the incident report and body camera footage.
Glickman said the injuries came from officers mishandling her, and she sought medical attention after she left police custody. Knoles said the officers deescalated the situation to the best of their ability.
“There are so many different types of circumstances that an officer has to look at – the totality, the circumstances – and come to their best decision that would help solve that issue or problem,” Knoles said.
She commended the way the officers handled the incident and added the department treats each interaction differently to meet individual needs.
Glickman disagreed.
“He was pushing it,” she said. “He thought I was a 20-year-old.”
Aftermath from viral video of incident
In recent months, body camera footage from the incident has spread online – garnering hundreds of thousands of views.
“This experience has been mortifying,” Glickman said. “Everything that’s spread on social media has hit me to the core.”
Glickman described the reaction from online commenters as “toxic.” Many accused her of abusing her authority as a school director. At one point in the body camera footage Glickman asked for an officer with more tenure.
However, she rejected the characterization and said she has never felt entitled because of her position.
“I am a person,” Glickman said. “I am not entitled.”
Still, if she had the choice to do it over again, Glickman said she might have never attended commencement.
Alton Northup is the news director. Contact him at [email protected].
Adriana Gasiewski is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].
M. Doran • Sep 22, 2024 at 9:31 pm
Sounds like that final glass of Chardonnay hit hard. When at a professional function, it’s best to demonstrate self restraint rather than casual abandon.
Beverly Justice • Sep 18, 2024 at 3:07 pm
I’ve watched the video several times and she was drunk. Shame on her for trying to shift the blame to police. By still denying responsibility, she is making herself look worse.