The ACLU of Colorado filed suit on behalf of Danny Ledonne, a former professor who was banned by school officials from the Adams State University campus in Alamosa, CO after he created a website criticizing various university administration practices.
From May, 2011, to June, 2015, Mr. LeDonne taught in the Mass Communications program and performed video production work for Adams State University. In September, 2015, after his employment at the university had ended, he launched WatchingAdams.org, a website that includes public compensation data and interviews with former students, faculty, and staff.
In the fall of 2015, Ledonne posted a series of articles criticizing the pay disparity between faculty and the administration. He asserted that the university had violated the Colorado Wage Act by not making timely payments to adjunct professors.
Two days later, University President Beverlee McClure issued a “No Trespass Order” to Ledonne, delivered at his residence by campus police chief Paul Grohowski.
The order declared that for “an indefinite period of time,” Ledonne was prohibited from being on Adams State University property and that his presence on campus “would result in his immediate arrest for trespass.”
In this lawsuit, the ACLU has asked the Court to immediately stop Adams State Uiversity from enforcing the campus ban, as well as to rule that the University president violated Mr. LeDonne's constitutional right to free speech and due process.
In a settlement agreeement, Adams State University rescinded the order banning Mr. LeDonne from campus and agreed to pay $100,000 in compensation.
ACLU news releases:
- "ACLU files suit on behalf of former professsor banned from campus for criticizing University," ACLU News Release, February 10, 2016
- "ACLU wins $100K settlement for former Adams State professor who was banned from campus after criticizing the University," ACLU News Release, July 25, 2016
Media:
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“Danny Ledonne: ACLU Sues Adams State Over Ban of Former Prof,” Westword, February 11, 2016
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“ACLU Attorney Decries Ban Of Blogger By Adams State University,” CPR News, February 17, 2016
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”Former Adams State Adjunct Alleges First Amendment, Due Process Violations,” InSideHigherEd, February 10, 2016
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“Adams State settles ACLU suit brought by ex-professor Danny Ledonne,” The Denver Post, July 25, 2016
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“Professor Gets Settlement in Lawsuit After Banishment For Critical Blogs,” FIRE, July 26, 2016
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“Adams State Settles Lawsuit From Banned Former Prof, ACLU For $100,000,” Westword, July 25, 2016
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“Adams State University satisfied with results of mediation,” Adams State University, July 25, 2016
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“Adams State to pay 100K after president bans ex-professor,” The Journal, July 25, 2016
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“Public university pays critical professor $100,000 for calling him a terrorist,” The College Fix, July 28, 2016
