Tennessee Grad Student Settles $250K Lawsuit After Almost Getting Expelled for Sharing ‘Crude’ Lyrics on Social Media

Tennessee Student Settles $250K Lawsuit Over Social Media Posts

Kimberly Diei, a graduate student from Tennessee, recently settled a $250,000 lawsuit after facing potential expulsion for sharing what were deemed ‘crude’ lyrics from Beyoncé and Cardi B on her personal social media page. This case sheds light on the complexities surrounding free speech and online expression, as Diei’s posts, made under the pseudonym “KimmyKasi,” were brought to the attention of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center by an anonymous complaint in 2019.

Despite the lyrics being unrelated to her studies or indicating any affiliation with the university, Diei found herself under investigation twice, with university officials deeming the posts as “crude,” “vulgar,” and “sexual.” The complaint alleged a violation of professionalism codes, leading to potential disciplinary action against Diei. However, her posts did not explicitly link her to the school or disrupt any educational activities.

Following the investigations in 2019 and 2020, Diei was on the verge of expulsion after the university’s professional conduct committee voted against her. Fearing a violation of her constitutional rights, Diei took legal action, asserting that her off-campus social media activity should not be policed by the university. This case highlights the ongoing debate over the boundaries of free speech in educational institutions and the impact of social media on students’ personal lives.

After a lengthy legal battle, Diei’s lawsuit was eventually dismissed in 2021 as she completed her pharmacy degree, rendering some points in the suit moot. However, with the support of legal counsel from the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, Diei appealed the decision in September 2024. The court’s ruling acknowledged a potential violation of Diei’s free speech rights and paved the way for a settlement.

In a statement following the settlement, Diei expressed her relief, stating that the ruling affirmed her right to express personal views without fear of retribution from educational institutions. The $250,000 settlement included payments to Diei and the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, underscoring the importance of upholding free speech protections for all individuals, including students.

This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by students navigating the intersection of personal expression and institutional regulations in the digital age. As social media continues to play a significant role in shaping public discourse, it is crucial for educational institutions to strike a balance between upholding professional standards and respecting students’ rights to free speech and privacy.

Overall, Kimberly Diei’s experience highlights the complex issues surrounding online expression and the importance of safeguarding individuals’ rights to personal expression, even in the face of institutional scrutiny. The outcome of this lawsuit sets a precedent for future cases involving free speech on social media and reinforces the need for clear guidelines to protect individuals’ rights in educational settings.

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