A student at Western Carolina University in North Carolina has taken legal action after being suspended for using the term "illegal alien." The student, Leah McGhee, was suspended for five days after she used the term in a conversation with another student. McGhee's attorney, Dean McGee, said that the suspension was a violation of her First Amendment rights.
A North Carolina student has taken legal action after she was suspended for using the term "illegal alien." The student, Leah McGhee, was suspended for five days after she used the term in a conversation with another student. McGhee's attorney, Dean McGee, said that the suspension was a violation of her First Amendment rights.
The incident occurred on September 20, 2023, when McGhee was talking to another student about immigration. McGhee used the term "illegal alien" to describe someone who is in the United States illegally. The other student reported McGhee to the university, and she was subsequently suspended.
McGee said that the suspension was a violation of McGhee's First Amendment rights. He said that the term "illegal alien" is not a slur and that McGhee had the right to use it.
"This is a clear case of viewpoint discrimination," McGee said. "The university is punishing Leah for expressing her opinion on immigration."
The university has not commented on the lawsuit. However, in a statement issued to Fox News Digital, a spokesperson for the school said that Western Carolina University is "dedicated to fostering a safe and welcoming environment for all students."
"The university's primary concern is the safety and well-being of all members of its campus community," the spokesperson said. "WCU is committed to upholding its principles and ensuring that all students have equal access to education and opportunities. Violations of any university policies or state and federal laws will be addressed by appropriate campus officials."
McGee said that he is confident that McGhee will win her case. He said that the First Amendment protects the right to free speech, and that the university cannot punish McGhee for expressing her opinion.
"We are going to fight this all the way," McGee said. "We are confident that Leah will be vindicated."
The lawsuit is the latest in a series of cases involving the use of the term "illegal alien." In recent years, several courts have ruled that the term is not a slur and that it is protected by the First Amendment.
However, some people argue that the term "illegal alien" is dehumanizing and that it should not be used. They say that the term perpetuates negative stereotypes about immigrants and that it makes it harder to have a productive conversation about immigration.
