Following the Release of James O'Keefe's Latest Undercover Video, Barry University has Suspended Their Star Communications Student Without Explanation or Cause
Barry University Creates Hostile Environment for Honor Student After University Brass Expresses Support for Pro-ISIS Club
(New York, April 6, 2015) - Earlier today, Laura [surname redacted], an honor student at Barry University, was placed on "interim suspension" following the release of a video featuring her investigative journalism. The video, which was taken weeks ago, was lawfully recorded in compliance with Florida's privacy laws. The vague language used by Barry University in issuing the suspension, coupled with the timing, suggest that Barry does not have an actionable claim against Laura. Rather, it appears that they object to the negative publicity the school has received due to the statements of their administrative and academic staff.
The charges levied against Laura in her suspension notice were far from explicit and ambiguously read "your alleged actions were the cause root [sic] of disruption of the University community and the creation of a hostile environment for members of the University staff."
Perplexingly, Laura received an award for being the most outstanding senior in the Communications Department after the release of the video. "It is difficult to comprehend how Barry University simultaneously deems Laura as an honor student and a disruption; with each resulting in a formal University action: an official University honor and an interim suspension," says Founder and President of Project Veritas James O'Keefe.
Instead of holding University faculty and staff accountable for approving the pro-ISIS club, Barry University is inexcusably trying to use an honor student as a scapegoat for their own mistakes. Remarkably, this suspension not only infringes upon Laura's free speech, it eradicates it. Laura has been banned from Barry's campus and prohibited from attending any classes. At this time, Laura has been given no due process in this proceeding. There have been no clear charges filed, nor have there been any specific allegations made. Further, there has been no indication of how long the suspension will last and if and when a hearing will be held.
"Project Veritas' video recordings at Barry University were accomplished within the spirit and letter of the law. In Florida, where Barry University is located and where the recordings took place, it is perfectly legal to record an oral communication if a person does not have a reasonable expectation of privacy. This is defined in Fla. Stat. 934.02(2)."
