Academic Dismissal Case Study

Student Rights in Academic Dismissal
In 1787, Thomas Jefferson wrote “Above all things, I hope the education of the common people will be attended to; convinced that on their good sense we may rely with the most security for the preservation of a due degree of liberty” (Tanner & Tanner, 1995, p. 4). Jefferson theorized that indifference to education puts liberty and self-governance in peril. Education could provide each individual the opportunity to gain knowledge in order to promote self-governing and freedom (Tanner & Tanner, 1995).
Throughout the development of education in the United States, individuals have extolled the need for protection from political forces seeking conformity in the realm of ideas. This protection has been of particular importance during those times when the educational goals may have been more a reflection of the political policies of those in power, rather than the advancement of new theories or ideas (American Association of University Professors, 1970).
Students at academic institutions have the same rights and protections under the United States Constitution as other citizens. The Constitution applies to everyone, regardless religion, color, age or race. The
However, when academic dismissals do occur, individual students can hope for conscientious courts, academic institutions, and well informed administrators. Administrators must decide issues rationally to ensure that their actions are not arbitrary or capricious towards students. In Goss v. Lopez (1975), the Supreme Court held that students are entitled to “‘oral or written notice of the charges against [them]and, if [they] den[y the charges], an explanation of the evidence the authorities have and an opportunity to present [their] side of the story.” Any academic institution failing to meet this standard in either a disciplinary or academic perspective will result in courts dispensing with academic