Thaindian News

By Meena Kar
Nov. 15, (THAINDIAN NEWS) Two students of the Tarrant County College filed a lawsuit claiming that the institution restricted their rights to free speech. It restricted them from staging protests and the date for their trial has been set to the month of January, next year. TCC wanted a two month duration for trial and the lawyers fighting the case for John Schwertz and Clayton Smith did not resist the move. The American Civil Liberties Union approached the court on behalf of the two students.

Angela Robinson, who is representing TCC in court said that the trial will weigh the strength of the lawsuit. Lisa Graybill who is a Austin based attorney said in her statement that a settlement is not likely to be reached by the parties. A trial will be required to resolve the case. TCC put restrictions on the students for delivering free speeches and also informed the students that they would have to serve notice for staging protests in advance. According to the lawsuit filed by the students, it violates the right to free speech and needs to be wiped away from the handbooks.

John Schwertz said that last week the students were allowed to put on empty holsters and distribute fliers. While they were not permitted to stage protests in the hallways or classrooms, the protests went on without hiccup. According to him, some other students are keen on joining the forum. The students assembled in South, Northwest campuses and staged protests. The group wants concealed handgun users to be allowed to bring the weapons on the campuses.