Universities have to be careful about protecting students' First Amendment rights and keeping them safe from discrimination and a hostile environment. Unfortunately, this can also infringe upon other students' right to freedom of expression and get them in trouble for expressing themselves or protesting against injustice. Often, schools act inconsistently, which can lead to some students getting away for behavior other students have been punished for.

If you or your student are facing sanctions at university for protesting or for other issues, the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team can help you defend yourself and ensure you aren't treated unfairly. Call 888-535-3686 or contact the Lento Law Form online.

Lafayette College in Trouble with the Office for Civil Rights Over Israel Protests

A student at Lafayette College who held up a poster containing the term ‘from the river to the sea' at an anti-Israel protest was reprimanded by college administrators in October and asked not to use the phrase again. But another student, who used the phrase in an Instagram post around the same time, did not have any action taken against them. College officials upheld the student's right to free speech in this case and responded that the phrase ‘did not constitute a direct threat.'

These incidents, among others, were part of a Title VI investigation the college subsequently found itself a part of. The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) concluded that the college hadn't done enough to prevent a hostile environment as part of its obligation under federal civil rights laws. They also called out the college's ‘inconsistent' response to the various complaints.

Colleges often have to walk a tightrope between protecting students' right to free speech and their obligation to protect students from discrimination as part of upholding their civil rights. This can often cause confusion and inconsistencies in how students are disciplined or sanctioned for these kinds of issues.

When Students are Disciplined Unfairly

The Lafayette College officials were unfair and inconsistent in how they dealt with the issue, with the two students being treated differently despite engaging in similar behavior. Unfortunately, this is often true of universities, and sometimes, students in different schools get treated differently for the same behavior.

Obviously, this is not ideal and should not be put up with. If you have been unfairly punished by your school or university, let the Lento Law Firm attorneys defend your rights and hold your university to a higher standard of fairness.

Why You Need Us

You cannot be expected to understand how universities respond to student infractions in compliance with state and federal laws. Different universities can have varying regulations and respond differently to students exercising free speech or protesting. You or your student may find themselves sanctioned for behavior that other students may get away with, depending on your university, location, political climate, and other factors. This is not fair to you.

The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team has helped students at every level deal with discipline issues and made sure they receive a fair and unbiased outcome, whatever the issue. We can help your student as well. Call 888-535-3686 to tell us about your issue, or fill out a form, and we will call you.