Disciplinary Hearing Legal Fees

Undergraduate students Norman & Putnam are facing disciplinary charges due to a warning they gave, referring to the "open secret" of a tenured faculty member's repeated inappropriate conduct. They did so in order to equip underclassmen with knowledge they could use to protect themselves from harm. These two students spent no more than 10 minutes between two classes during add/drop week. Over six weeks later, they were asked to appear in a disciplinary hearing, with charges that may include harassment, disorderly conduct, and dishonesty. The communication between the students, public safety, and administration was indirect and confusing. Likewise, their statement of charges has produced confusion; the students are unaware of where the proceedings could go given this vague and indeterminate "charge(s)."

Our hearing resulted in sanctions that the University hoped to use to silence other students who speak up about harassment and misconduct, and will further create a learning environment where abuse is harbored. The costs we anticipated are higher than expected, but please consider donating to help fund our legal fees.