Adyn's Student Rights & Justice Fund
0% complete
$130 raised of
4 donations
Aim: HI I'm Dad & Thank You for your support! Simply put we / he needs $ for Lawyer. #Lessonlearned #justice4adyn #poormanpraying4justice
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Help Restore a Young Man's Future: Fund Adyn's Legal Battle for Free Speech and Fairness Imagine a bright-eyed 20-year-old from a humble South Dakota farm, the oldest of 6 kids in a tight-knit Catholic family scraping by on dairy and construction work. Adyn Brenden was that kid—a full-ride QuestBridge scholar, socially awkward but endlessly kind, a doodler and cartoonist who dreamed of a career in computer science. He arrived at Hamilton College in New York full of hope, eager to learn and grow. But in October 2024, his world shattered over a single act of artistic expression. It started with a campus mural project sponsored by the college itself—a blank canvas inviting students to share their thoughts on the world. Adyn, heartbroken by the violence in the Middle East, added symbols and a quoted phrase to highlight what he saw as hypocrisy in pro-Palestinian activism. He drew "broken crosses" (what others called swastikas) as metaphors for shattered faith and love lost amid conflict, alongside a phrase from Palestinian rhetoric to provoke thought, not hate. It was satire, raw and unfiltered, meant to spark dialogue in a place that claims to value free expression. But Hamilton didn't see it that way. Without investigating Adyn's intent or background—despite his spotless record, regular church attendance, and role in the Newman Council—they labeled him "antisemitic" in public statements and called the police. Adyn was arrested on felony charges, suspended indefinitely, and publicly shamed in media reports that twisted facts, like a student newspaper claiming he sought a "reduced sentence" when no trial even happened. The college's rush to judgment ignored their own handbook's promises of due process, delaying hearings and offering no advisor upfront. The truth? A grand jury reviewed the evidence and dismissed all charges—no indictment, no crime. Adyn was innocent, his artwork protected speech. But the damage was done: his reputation in ruins, scholarship in jeopardy (worth $79,000 a year, a lifeline for our family), and dreams derailed. Online slander has made job prospects in CS impossible without clearing his name. We've faced threats, moved hotels for safety, and watched Adyn—a gentle soul who loves cats and chess—battle depression from the ostracism. Now, we're fighting back. In April 2025, Adyn filed an Article 78 proceeding (Index No. EFCA2025-001265) in New York court to annul the suspension, reinstate him, and hold Hamilton accountable for their arbitrary actions. A crucial hearing is set for September 22, 2025. Next, we're pursuing a Title IX federal lawsuit for bias—why punish Adyn's provocative art while ignoring similar expressions from others? These cases aren't just about Adyn; they're about protecting free speech, faith, and fairness in academia for every underdog student. Legal battles cost money our farm family doesn't have—attorney fees, court costs, expert witnesses could top $50,000–$100,000. That's why we're turning to you. Your donation will fund:
Expert legal counsel to win the Article 78 and launch the Title IX suit.
Court filings, depositions, and appeals to expose the truth.
Reputation repair and counseling for Adyn's emotional recovery.
Every dollar counts: $10 buys filing supplies; $50 covers a consultation hour; $100 funds document review. In return, we'll keep you updated with case milestones, exclusive insights (like our meeting transcript with the dean admitting no investigation), and heartfelt thanks. Adyn isn't a criminal—he's a faithful young man who doodled his heart onto a canvas provided by the college. Help us turn this nightmare into a triumph. Donate today, share our story, and stand with us against institutional overreach. Together, we can restore Adyn's future and send a message: Truth prevails. Goal: $75,000 total
Previous Private Funds Raised so far: $25000
Donate now and join the fight! #Justice4Adyn #FreeSpeech #AdynVsHamilton
Donations Raised beyond our goal and are excess will support free speech causes for other students and to lower tuition in Catholic Schools.
"you asked me Lord so I shook my head and followed",
love you all
Thanks For the Blessing and Prayers
Jeremy, Janelle, Adyn, Ethan, Alexis, Isaiah, Otto and Uriah Brenden.
www.facebook.com/groups/justice4adyn
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www.venmo.com/u/adyn4freespeech