Oberlin College case shows how universities are losing their way
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Re: Oberlin College case shows how universities are losing their way
#2The merits of the case did not seem to bother Oberlin officials or student protesters. Dean of students Meredith Raimondo reportedly joined the massive protests and even handed out a flier denouncing the bakery as a racist business.
Without knowing the details of the case, it's hard to determine who's truly at fault here. Even so, given that the dean herself apparently chastised a dissenting staffer who advocated for the bakery (“F* ROGER COPELAND”), it's a bit disconcerting to think that this is someone who is charged with the well-being of every student on campus.
It's one thing to encourage student activism, but if these universities are teaching students to throw empathy, logic and reason to the wind, they are only doing them a disservice.
Re: Oberlin College case shows how universities are losing their way
#3Does anyone know what framework an appellate court will use to review/revise the damages? The article says $22 million is the state max, but are there other factors that will reduce the amount further?
Re: Oberlin College case shows how universities are losing their way
#4Handy tip, you probably don't want to say a local, family-owned business that dates back to the 1800's is only worth $35,000. It comes off as elitist and hometown juries hate elitist with a passion.
Best coverage was Legal Insurrection since they actually had people in the courtroom: https://legalinsurrection.com/2019/06/oberlin-college-hit-wi... (summary of coverage at bottom of article)
Re: Oberlin College case shows how universities are losing their way
#5The problem here is an insulation from consequences. After costing their employer $33 million dollars, plus legal fees, will the libelers be fired? I'd guess not.
Ironically this is the same root cause for overuse of force by police officers that is alluded to in the article as a problem these university employees were concerned about. Police officers are also far too insulted from consequences and generally keep their jobs even after causing their employers (i.e. us) millions of dollars in lawsuit damages.
The moral of the story is that all institutions should have effective mechanisms for accountability. Insulate employees too much and at least some will surely run amok.
Re: Oberlin College case shows how universities are losing their way
#6Does anyone know what framework an appellate court will use to review/revise the damages? The article says $22 million is the state max, but are there other factors that will reduce the amount further?
Its 2x the compensatory damages. So, in this case compensatory damages were $11 million, so the punitive damages is capped at an additional $22 million leaving a total verdict of $33 million. The standard appeals process can overturn or reduce damages.
Re: Oberlin College case shows how universities are losing their way
#7Does anyone know what framework an appellate court will use to review/revise the damages? The article says $22 million is the state max, but are there other factors that will reduce the amount further?
Its 2x the compensatory damages. So, in this case compensatory damages were $11 million, so the punitive damages is capped at an additional $22 million leaving a total verdict of $33 million. The standard appeals process can overturn or reduce damages.
But the jury verdict is entitled to deference (or at least would be in my state, couldn't swear to Ohio law).
Re: Oberlin College case shows how universities are losing their way
#8Does anyone know what framework an appellate court will use to review/revise the damages? The article says $22 million is the state max, but are there other factors that will reduce the amount further?
From what I know, 22 million isn’t the max, 2X is the max for punitive damages. So they got 11.2 million for damages so they can only get 2x11.2=22.4 for the punitive. So 33.6 million total. Sorry, not sure if I answered the question?
Re: Oberlin College case shows how universities are losing their way
#9Handy tip, you probably don't want to say a local, family-owned business that dates back to the 1800's is only worth $35,000. It comes off as elitist and hometown juries hate elitist with a passion. Best coverage was Legal Insurrection since they actually had people in the courtroom: https://legalinsurrection.com/2019/06/oberlin-college-hit-wi... (summary of coverage at bottom of article)
Leonard French had a good live stream yesterday going through everything too. Lawful Masses on YouTube for those interested.
Re: Oberlin College case shows how universities are losing their way
#10The problem here is an insulation from consequences. After costing their employer $33 million dollars, plus legal fees, will the libelers be fired? I'd guess not. Ironically this is the same root cause for overuse of force by police officers that is alluded to in the article as a problem these university employees were concerned about. Police officers are also far too insulted from consequences and generally keep the…
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