Two Black students have filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Nichols College in Dudley, Massachusetts, for racial discrimination in disciplinary action following a campus altercation in which the students claim they acted in self-defense. The college enrolls about 1,400 students. Blacks make up 6.8 percent of the student body, according to the latest data available from the U.S. Department of Education.
In October 2023, plaintiffs Shamar Hall and Giovanni McLaughlin were involved in a physical fight with other students, all of whom are White. Following the incident, Hall was expelled and McLaughlin was barred from campus activities and student life resources. However, the White students, who allegedly initiated the violence, were not disciplined.
The lawsuit claims that, prior to the disciplinary action, Nichols College engaged in racially biased investigative practices, including biased questioning and disregard of key testimony provided by Black witnesses. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges the college did not address racially charged hate speech that circulated on social media during the investigative process.
In a press release from the plaintiffs’ representation, Lawyers for Civil Rights, Hall, who had been recruited for the Nichols College football team, said, “Nichols College unfairly targeted us, putting our futures at risk. I hope this lawsuit prompts the institution to reconsider its approach to racial justice. I don’t want anyone else to go through what we did.”
McLaughlin, who served as president of Men of Distinction and vice president of the college’s rugby team, added, “Before this, I had never faced any disciplinary action. Nichols College had always been a place where I felt welcome and involved. We are seeking a fair and just resolution.”
Hall and McLaughlin requested the college address the disciplinary action in April 2024, but the lawsuit alleges the college has failed to take any meaningful action.
