Tigrett v. The Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia
United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
290 F.3d 620 (2002)
- Written by Jennifer Flinn, JD
Facts
Harrison Tigrett and Bradley Kintz (plaintiffs) were students at the University of Virginia. In the fall of 1997, Tigrett, Kintz, and three of their fraternity brothers engaged in an altercation with another student, Alexander Kory, on the university campus. Tigrett and Kintz assaulted Kory, leaving Kory with significant injuries to his face. Tigrett and Kintz eventually pleaded nolo contendere to disorderly conduct in state criminal court. Kory filed a disciplinary complaint against Tigrett and Kintz with the university, alleging that Tigrett and Kintz violated the university’s student-conduct policies. The complaint was investigated by the University Judiciary Committee (UJC) according to university procedures. The UJC scheduled a trial for Tigrett and Kintz. Due to perceived irregularities, Tigrett and Kintz did not attend the trial. The UJC held a trial in the students’ absence and voted to expel Tigrett and Kintz. The UJC’s decision was subject to review by Vice President for Student Affairs William Harmon. Harmon refused to accept the expulsion recommendation due to irregularities. Harmon appointed a five-member fact-finding panel to conduct a second trial. After a 13-hour trial in which Tigrett and Kintz were allowed to present evidence and cross-examine witnesses, the panel concluded that Tigrett and Kintz were guilty of violating the student-conduct policy. University President John Casteen adopted the panel’s findings. Casteen imposed the panel’s recommended sanction for Kintz but a more severe sanction for Tigrett. Tigrett and Kintz both filed a lawsuit against university officials (defendants). The district court partially granted summary judgment in favor of the university officials, and Tigrett and Kintz appealed.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (King, J.)
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