LUFKIN — A group of Stephen F. Austin State University students is suing the school and others claiming they have been falsely named as "suspects" in a racially motivated swatting incident without any evidence.
S.M., J.C., T.R., M.W., and K.W., filed a complaint Oct. 5, in the Lufkin Division of the Eastern District of Texas against Board of Regents of Stephen F. Austin State University and Scott Gordon, Ph.D., President of Stephen F. Austin State University and Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) requesting a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction.
According to the complaint, on Sept. 28, 2020, Houston local media outlets reported an alleged "swatting" had taken place on the SFA University campus that involved members of the SFA cheer team.
The incident involved an African American SFA student, C.E., who claims that on Sept. 14, 2020, her "white room mates and team mates" who are among some of the plaintiffs, staged the swatting event and falsely reported to police that she was threatening to stab people with scissors.
According to the complaint, C.E. alleges officers "stormed her dorm with guns drawn" and according to the SFA Police, C.E. was found in bed sleeping.
The plaintiffs claim that they have been "deprived of their constitutional due process rights" due to SFA's "rush to convict" them based on "falsehoods" and "misrepresentations" including publicly calling them "perpetrators" and "suspects" by SFA representatives.
The plaintiffs also claim SFA refuses to turn over "key evidence," and to let them respond to the allegations.
The plaintiffs seek monetary relief, interest and all other just relief. They are represented by Anthon Malley, III of The Malley Law Firm PLLC in Beaumont and Tanner Franklin of The Franklin Law Firm PLLC in Etoile.
Lufkin Division of the Eastern District of Texas case number 9:20-CV-00203