Statement of Solidarity with the Students at the University of San Diego School of Law
The Tom Homann LGBTQ+ Law Association (THLA) supports the University of San Diego (USD) School of Law students impacted by the dangerous rhetoric and hate speech posted, disseminated, and spoken by USD Law Professor, Thomas Smith. THLA firmly believes San Diego’s educational institutions should prioritize the equity, safety, and security of all students. The potential for hate speech to have first amendment protection should have no bearing on whether it is tolerated in professional or educational settings. Ultimately, vulgar, intimidating, and uncivil statements have no legitimate purpose in true academic discourse.
THLA stands in solidarity with Pan Asian Lawyers of San Diego, USD Pride Law, and other diverse organizations, in calling on USD School of Law to be transparent in their investigations of these incidents and to accommodate any and all students who find Professor Smith’s words and actions hostile.
A complete statement authored by Pan Asian Lawyers of San Diego, and supported by THLA, can be viewed here:
https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/b9/b9/17b283ac490194b618a537d4ef18/palsd-usd-statement.pdf