NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — In a new statement from Vanderbilt University, the school has now hired an attorney to review their response to the March 26th campus protest that led to a reporter being arrested and more than 20 students being either suspended or arrested.
Vanderbilt has now asked Nashville attorney Aubrey Harwell, Jr. to lead the review. Harwell will explore any steps that could or should have been taken before the reporter's detention and consider how Vanderbilt can look at free expression to maintain safety, privacy and operations of the campus community.
The statement comes just days after hundreds of people marched in solidarity with the students who were suspended over the pro-Palestinian protest. They were on the campus Wednesday calling for the school to reverse the suspensions of 27 student protesters.
The university issued the suspensions last week after students held a sit in at the school-refusing to leave the building. Security video showed students forcing their way past a campus security officer to get into the building.
Vanderbilt's statement notes the review will look into the arrest of the reporter, but made no mention of the suspensions or criminal charges that were handed out to students.
The findings of the review is expected to be made public in late spring.
NewsChannel 5 legal analyst Nick Leonardo says Harwell is uniquely qualified to take on this investigation.
"He has been practicing law for 50 plus years and has been on some of the biggest cases in American history," Leonardo said. "I would put his credentials up against any lawyer in America."
On Friday, Vanderbilt's Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs said the students given probation, suspensions and expulsions can appeal the decision during a 10-day window, saying they'd be able to return to classes during the appeals process.
Later Friday, the university clarified by saying while some students involved in the matter have had all campus restrictions lifted, others will still have certain restrictions in place as they proceed through the appeal process should they choose to appeal. The university said all students involved in the incident can attend class. The university also said if a student experiences personal challenges related to the imposed restrictions, the university offers support including additional financial aid and personalized campus dining accommodations.
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