Whistlblowers awarded $540,000 in punitive damages
Attorney
(866) 735-1102 Ext 480
Tags:
None
Recently, $540,000 was awarded to three former Texas Southern students who spoke out upon uncovering a financial scandal. The individuals all kicked out of school and temporarily charged with committing a crime where awarded $350,000 in punitive damages in addition to the $190,000 previously awarded to aid with their loss.
“The awarded amount was intended to send a message to the University letting them know that retaliation against whistle-blowers won't be tolerated and we wanted to send a message that this should not happen again — the violation of First Amendment rights and the false arrest,"
As quoted, "The battle is not over yet because of the appellate process," said Brown. "But I'm glad the jury sent a message to the community that if you oppress someone's rights, society will not stand for it."
Even though compensation has been awarded, an appeal is evident states Peter Plotts, the assistant attorney general who represented TSU. He stated that some of the jurors admitted to discussing the case outside the court and because of one juror admitted to the fact, they were excused before the punitive damages were decided and thus could be points on appeal.