White student sues Howard University for $2 million over racial discrimination

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 25: An entrance sign near the main gate at Howard University October 25, 2021 in Washington, DC. Students have complained about mold and poor conditions in some dorm rooms and over 100 students have been staging a weeks-long WASHINGTON - A White student at Howard University’s law school is suing the institution for racial discrimination, alleging the school created a "hostile education environment."Michael Newman, the plaintiff, attended Howard University School of Law starting in the fall semester of 2020 and remained there for just two years until he was expelled in September 2022.

He is seeking $2 million in monetary damages for "pain, suffering, emotional anguish and damage to his reputation."Frank Tramble, Vice President and Chief Communications Officer for Howard University, said that while he could not comment "substantively" due to pending litigation, the university "is prepared to vigorously defend itself in this lawsuit as the claims provide a one-sided and self-serving narrative of the events leading to the end of the student’s enrollment at the University." Newman suffered "depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts" as a result of "public ostracism, vilification and humiliation," the lawsuit claims.

At one point, Global Head of Diversity Recruiting Reggie McGahee allegedly told Newman he had become the most hated student McGahee had seen during his tenure at the university, according to the suit.When Newman raised concerns over his treatment to school administrators, the law school’s dean allegedly denied that Caucasian students at Howard Law, and Newman in particular, faced racial discrimination to any degree.