College campuses are supposed to be bastions of free speech and the exchange of ideas. For decades, students have used campus protests to express dissatisfaction with their institutions or make political statements. The most recent example is the pro-Palestine protests that started in October 2023 in response to the Israeli-Palestine conflict.

Many colleges and universities made the news in 2024 for trying to shut down these protests, sometimes with police presence. If you're a student who participated in protests on campus and you're now facing repercussions at school, the Lento Law Firm can help. We can file a civil lawsuit on your behalf for a violation of your rights, or we can defend you against any disciplinary sanctions your school has given you. Call 888-535-3686 or send us your information via our confidential contact form.

Campus Protestors Facing Disciplinary Action

The human rights group Amnesty International USA has released a preliminary report stating that at least 20 colleges and universities nationwide have used excessive police force against pro-Palestinian protestors. At least 17 used chemical irritants on protestors, 11 used rubber and plastic bullets, and at ten institutions, protestors were injured during police raids. Amnesty International USA, the American Civil Liberties Union, and Human Rights Watch published an open letter mentioning this data and calling on institutions of higher education to respect students' physical safety and free expression on campus.

It's highly possible that colleges and universities who responded to protests have violated students' rights. As the letter from the three human rights groups mentions, “Police presence may both increase tensions and seriously undermine the potential for any resolution grounded in respect for human rights.” Students who were subject to excessive force may potentially be able to bring a lawsuit against their institutions. Those who faced school disciplinary measures following protests, such as probation or suspension, may also be able to fight back.

What to Do If Your School Punishes You for Protesting

If you got in trouble at your college or university for protesting, you have a few options available to you, depending on your situation.

1. Civil Lawsuit: If you think your school used excessive force against you as a protestor, you might have a case for a civil lawsuit against your school.
2. Fighting Disciplinary Action: While institutions of higher education don't have the power to arrest or detain students, they can issue school-related sanctions such as probation, suspension, or expulsion from the institution. If you're in this situation, you should defend yourself from these sanctions.

No matter which situation you're in, you should contact the Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm. We've represented students all over the country in a wide variety of cases ranging from Title IX violations to academic misconduct. We know how to deal with college administrations and can guide you throughout the disciplinary process.

Call 888-535-3686 or send us your information via our contact form so we can discuss your case.