NJ Professor Accused of Calling Student 'Racist' Over Trump Flag

A student at Passaic County Community College claims a professor singled him out for displaying a "Trump 2020" flag on his wall during an online class, leading to accusations of racism and his eventual withdrawal from the course. The lawsuit, filed in New Jersey Superior Court, alleges that business professor Gladys Harris stopped her business statistics class in July 2021 upon noticing the flag in the background of student Justin Caiazzo's video feed.

According to the complaint, Harris demanded Caiazzo remove the flag, which he questioned. The lawsuit states Harris then called him a "racist" in front of his classmates and removed him from the Zoom session when he refused to take down the banner. Caiazzo alleges that this incident negatively impacted his treatment in the class, with Harris reportedly allowing other students to speak over him and refusing him participation.

Following the confrontation, Caiazzo sought to discuss the exchange with Harris, who allegedly suggested he seek help from "tutor.com." He then approached other school officials, including Dean Peter Hynes. An investigation was launched by the college, but the lawsuit claims officials ultimately sided with Harris, stating Caiazzo's "political expression was disfavored."

College officials did not offer Caiazzo any recourse, such as transferring to another class or receiving a "no credit" grade. The lawsuit states Caiazzo withdrew from the class at his own expense, citing a "hostile, unfair, unconstitutional and academically untenable" environment.

Caiazzo is seeking unspecified damages for educational harm, emotional distress, and humiliation. His attorney, Marc Calello, stated that his client was unable to graduate due to being forced to drop the course and argued that the case highlights a broader issue of censorship of certain views in academic institutions.

The college, Hynes, and Harris have not responded to requests for comment.