Recent demonstrations on college campuses across the United States have prompted a wide array of responses from the administrations at different universities. Their responses, for the most part, are based on each educational institution's policies regarding protesting, encampments, and other related issues. However, these university policies often lack clarity. This leads to varying interpretations, misinterpretation, and confusion among members of the campus community. As these policies are implemented and tested in real-time, they are often amended to address the current situation, which may result in a lack of due process. Stories of arrests have made the headlines in recent weeks, and those arrests have included students, community members, activists, and university employees. All college and university employees have rights and the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team protects those rights. If you are facing charges due to a recent protest at a college campus, call the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or reach out online.

Four University Employees Arrested At Protest

This was the case with a protest at Washington University in St. Louis on Saturday, April 27. That day, hundreds of community members and local activists gathered at Washington University, setting up a tent encampment on the University's campus. Among the group's demands were that the University “cut ties with Boeing; cut ties with Israeli educational programs; drop charges and suspensions of protestors as well as defund the campus police; give back land taken from Indigenous people; and release a statement calling for a ceasefire and condemning the genocide.”

In response, the University, citing a violation of its policy, dispatched police to disband an encampment that was set up by demonstrators. According to the University, after refusing to comply with the school's repeated requests to leave, over 100 individuals were arrested, including 23 Washington University students and four University employees. All of the individuals face charges of trespassing, and some of the individuals may also be charged with resisting arrest and assault, including for injuries to three police officers who sustained injuries. In a statement after the event, the University said, “We are firmly committed to free expression and allow ample opportunity for voices to be heard on our campus. However, we expect everyone to respect our policies and we will take swift action to enforce them to their fullest extent.”

University Employees Have Rights

As these campus protests continue at schools across the country, it is important to remember that university employees have rights. Just like any other individual, employees at a university are entitled to fair treatment and due process. Employees must be informed about any accusations brought against them, have the opportunity to respond, and receive a fair hearing.

The Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm protects the rights of university employees who are charged with a violation of university policy or other disciplinary charges. Our experienced team thoroughly investigates the charge against you and builds a strong defense for the best possible outcome in your situation. If you have been arrested as part of a college protest or are facing a disciplinary charge, we can help. Reach out online to tell us about your case, or call us today at 888-535-3686.