New Jersey Student Sues Community College Over Alleged First Amendment Violations

A New Jersey student, Justin Caiazzo, has filed a lawsuit against Passaic County Community College, professor Gladys Harris, and dean Peter Hynes, claiming that his First Amendment rights were violated during a July 2021 online class. Caiazzo alleges that he was labeled a "racist" and forced to drop the course after Harris noticed a "Trump 2020" flag in his background during a Zoom call. According to the complaint filed on September 23 in New Jersey Superior Court, Harris halted the class to demand that Caiazzo remove the flag, which she described as "offensive." When Caiazzo questioned her about the flag, he claims she called him a "racist" in front of his classmates and subsequently removed him from the call after he refused to take it down. Caiazzo asserts that this incident negatively impacted his treatment in the class, as Harris allegedly allowed other students to interrupt him and did not permit him to participate. After the class, Caiazzo sought guidance from Harris regarding tutoring opportunities, but he claims she dismissed him with a suggestion to use "tutor.com." Concerned that the situation would affect his education, Caiazzo approached other college officials, including Hynes, but they reportedly supported Harris's actions and did not provide him with any meaningful options, such as transferring to another class. Ultimately, Caiazzo withdrew from the course, believing that the environment was hostile and detrimental to his academic experience. He is now seeking unspecified damages for educational harm, emotional distress, and humiliation. Caiazzo's attorney, Marc Calello, stated that the case highlights issues of censorship in academic institutions that are supposed to encourage debate and discussion. The college, Hynes, and Harris did not respond to requests for comment.