Last weekend, prospective students came to Mercyhurst University for Major Day and Laker Live-In.

During that time, prospects toured the campus, met with faculty and learned more about the university in general.

Zach Dorsch photo: Copies of the last issue of the Merciad around campus were thrown away apparently to hide the cover story from the public.

Also during that time, hundreds of copies of The Merciad were removed from their holders and disposed of in the Carolyn Herrmann Student Union, Old Main and the freshman dorms.

Last week’s cover story featured an article on former student Sean Sickmund and the federal charges he is currently facing.

After editors replaced all the discarded copies of The Merciad on Monday, they were back in the trash Tuesday.

“Under no circumstances do I see it permissible to confiscate those copies of the newspaper,” Vice President of Student Life Gerry Tobin, Ph.D., said.

Tobin continued to explain that The Merciad should be able to allow students to freely provide commentary and opinions on events occurring within the university community without the fear of their papers being discarded.

Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management Chris Coons said he held a staff meeting to make sure admissions had nothing to do with the disposal of the papers.

“The Merciad works so hard on the weekly newspaper that I would never want it to be thrown away,” said Coons.

“I frequently encourage prospective students to take a copy to read.”

Coach Chris Ryan of the men’s lacrosse team was unavailable for commenting on this matter.

The Merciad adviser Bill Welch was disappointed that the newspaper was thrown away.

“I am distressed to think that anyone at the university would take it upon themselves to hide newspapers with the apparent intent of making sure someone does not read a news story,” he said.

Welch continued, explaining that “The Merciad staff works hard to turn out a publication and online edition that will keep the college community informed. It is even more distressing to think someone would fear the news so much that they would totally disregard that effort.”

Tobin said that the matter would be dealt with if he found out who was involved.

“If we can get a handle on who is responsible,” said Tobin, “we will deal with it appropriately.”