Expelled Valdosta State University student T. Hayden Barnes has filed a lawsuit against the university, VSU President Ronald Zaccari, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, and other VSU administrators after being punished for publicly protesting the school’s decision to construct two new parking garages on campus.
“VSU’s concerted effort to silence and punish Hayden Barnes is an unconscionable attempt to violate his First Amendment rights—and VSU, as a public institution, is legally required to protect these rights,” FIRE (Foundation for Individual Rights in Education) President Greg Lukianoff said. “Now VSU must answer for its actions in court.”
The complaint alleges that VSU President Ronald Zaccari not only wrongfully violated Barnes’ right to freedom of speech, but also conspired with his co-defendants—other VSU officials—to expel Barnes. The suit emphasizes Zaccari’s irrational insistence that Barnes represented a threat and a “clear and present danger,” despite findings to the contrary by mental health professionals, including a VSU student counselor. Barnes is asking the court for damages, including punitive damages and attorney’s fees.
Local News
<img src="http://www.sgaonline.com/headlines/extra.gif" /> Former VSU Student, Hayden Barnes, files federal lawsuit protesting expulsion (Jan. 11 - 2:27 p.m.)
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