Publication Date

Spring 2-25-2025

Presentation Length

Poster/Gallery presentation

College

Interdisciplinary Studies & Global Education

Department

Political Science, Department of

Student Level

Undergraduate

SPARK Category

Research

Faculty Advisor

Mary Ellen Pethel

WELL Core Type

Intellectual Wellness

SPARK Session

Poster: Belmont Social Justice Collaborative

Presentation Type

Gallery

Summary

History repeats itself at Vanderbilt University. In both 1960 and 2024, the university’s administration expelled students for their involvement in protests. James Lawson was a key civil rights organizer in Nashville, and Vanderbilt University expelled him from the divinity school for his leadership in sit-in protests at local lunch counters. The university also expelled three undergraduate students following their connection to pro-Palestine sit-ins at Kirkland Hall. These students are currently facing trespassing and assault charges. This research investigates the similarities between these two events and expulsions with the Office of Student Accountability under crucial analysis. It examines the lack of due process regarding these two expulsion instances and the role of the Office of Student Accountability in protest. Methods for this research involve a primarily qualitative strategy, using both primary sources from Vanderbilt’s special collections, interviews, secondary sources like news articles, peer-reviewed journal articles, and biographies. The goal is not to criticize Vanderbilt specifically, but examine how institutions suppress protestors and deny due process. Thus, the university is a case study of a larger phenomenon.

Download

Share

COinS