The United States protects the right to assemble and speak freely. Nevertheless, people don't have to like or approve of what you say or the causes for which you assemble. For example, the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology issued an interim suspension to Zeno, a second-year MBA student, due to his participation in a protest.

The potential repercussions of an academic suspension, interim or otherwise, extend far beyond an interruption in your education. If you're worried about the impact of your school suspending you, let the Lento Law Firm help by calling 888.535.3686 or filling out this contact form.

Suspended and Scared

Identifying publicly with his last name alone, Zeno explains that he was part of a pro-Palestinian protest that took place on the MIT campus on May 6, 2024. Allegedly, he and other students violated several school policies during the protest.

Two days later, Zeno received notice of an interim suspension. He was immediately barred from the campus and denied due process until the school could decide on a more long-term response to his actions. In the meantime, he had to scramble to find new housing for himself and his daughter.

How Can an Academic Suspension Affect You?

Zeno's story represents the tip of the iceberg of all the problems you may suffer from an interim academic suspension. The delay in graduation or an unattractive mark on your academic record is worrisome enough, but there are other far-reaching and even more immediate concerns.

Traditional or privileged students may have the option of going to their relatives' homes to wait out suspensions like these. However, what about students whose families live far away—even internationally—or can't afford to house another person right then? What about students who don't have savings, trusts, or other funds on which to fall back?

The reality for many other students is that they face homelessness and joblessness if they live and work on the campus. This, in turn, could lead to malnutrition due to a lack of food, as well as mental trauma stemming from stressing about your survival and comfort from one day to the next. Considering the high cost of housing in the current economy, you may have difficulty affording a return to school even if the suspension is lifted.

Additionally, if you must take out loans or use credit cards to get by, your finances may end up in disarray by the time you figure out a more stable solution.

Plus, interim suspensions can last until the school chooses to grant you due process and a proper disciplinary hearing. That could take anywhere from days to months. Who knows how long it would take for your life to restabilize?

Let Us Help Free You From Suspension

Don't let anything stand in the way of your education or quality of life, not even a school's reaction to the way you exercise your basic rights. If you are dealing with an interim suspension due to accusations against your behavior or character, you need an immediate and powerful defense. Contact the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team right away by calling 888.535.3686 or filling out a contact form.