Valdosta State University v. Barnes [1]

T. Hayden Barnes, a student at Valdosta State University, expressed opposition on environmental grounds to the planned construction of two parking garages on the University campus. His campaign included a cut-and-paste collage [2] that he posted on his FaceBook page depicting a garage, a globe flatten by a tire tread, and the University's president, as well as text such as "more smog." He also posted flyers around campus, sent e-mails to administrators and students, and wrote a letter to the editor in the campus paper.

Barnes was expelled from the university for these actions. The university stated that he presented a "clear and present danger" to the university.

Barnes appealed [3] his expulsion to the university's Board of Regents. When his hearing was delayed several times, he filed a lawsuit [4] against the University, its president and the Board claiming that his expulsion violated his First Amendment freedom of speech rights. He also alleged that the University had failed to respect his right to due process under the Georgia Constitution and the Fourteenth Amendment of the US Constitution, and had failed to follow the procedures for dismissals in the University student handbook or the Board's policies.

On January 16, 2008, the Board reversed Barnes' expulsion.

Update:

11/19/2008 - The federal court granted in part and denied in part the defendants' motion to dismiss Barnes' complaint.