College should be a time of growth, learning, and new experiences. But for many minority students, it is marred by the sting of discrimination. Whether it's based on race, gender, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, discrimination on campus can leave lasting scars. 

If you or someone you know has been the victim of discrimination by another student, faculty, or staff, you need to stand up for yourself. Working with an experienced student defense attorney is the best way to have your point heard. The Lento Law Firm Student Defense team will help alleviate the fear, stress, and, in some cases, the risk of retaliation for your complaint. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or schedule a consultation online. 

Discrimination With Watermelons

In September 2024, the University of Georgia (UGA) Police Department was dispatched to the Tau Epsilon Phi (TEP) fraternity house after receiving a call from one of the members that someone was smashing watermelons at the front door and in the basketball area of their house. During their investigation, the UGAPD discovered that there had been a disagreement between TEP and members of the Kappa Alpha (KA) fraternity during an on-campus event earlier on in the night of the watermelon incident. 

According to KA, smashing watermelons is a habit that many of the fraternities take part in. However, since October 7, 2023, watermelons have come to represent camaraderie with Palestine and the attack on Israel. TEP is a historically Jewish fraternity with many Jewish members. While the UGAPD decided that the incident had nothing to do with religion and wasn't born out of hate or bias, the current connection between watermelons and antisemitism cannot be denied.

How the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team Can Help

Schools owe their students the freedom to feel safe on campus. When students violate the student conduct code, specifically the anti-discrimination policy, they need to be punished. By not holding students accountable for their actions, they more than likely will continue to perpetuate such activities as they age. This can put the health, safety, and general well-fare of anyone those students come into contact with at risk. 

If you believe you have been discriminated against by a fellow student or a member of your college's faculty or staff, you need to bring it to the school's attention. No matter how scary or stressful it might sound, the only way to ensure students like this do not victimize others is to hold them accountable. 

To file a complaint with your school, you will need a strong argument. The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team will work diligently to gather evidence and witness testimony on your behalf that strengthens your argument, guaranteeing you the best possible outcome for your complaint. Call the Lento Law Firm today for help at 888-535-3686 or schedule a consultation online.