UW Law School officials sent an e-mail Tuesday alerting students of recent contact with a man banned from school premises.

The banned man, Richard Rathmann, appealed Monday to the Law School dean for re-admittance via a letter allegedly expressing hostility toward lawyers, women and faculty. According to the e-mail, the dean declined the invitation.

Law school officials banned Rathmann from 975 Bascom Mall for one year starting April 24, 2007, in response to “threatening and otherwise hostile comments” directed at faculty and staff of the Law School and Political Science Department. Rathmann also indicated he “understood the shooter’s motives” in the incident at Virginia Tech, the e-mail said.

The UW Police Department describes Rathmann as a 60-year-old white male, 6’1” tall and 195 pounds. UWPD said no information presently indicates whether Rathmann poses a threat to the community. Students who may see Rathmann should call 608-264-COPS.