Virginia 3L Recants Racial Profiling Claim
University of Virginia 3L Johnathan Perkins made up a zinger of a story recently. He claimed that he was a victim of racially-motivated misconduct at the hands of university police. He even wrote a letter about his experience that was published in the law school's weekly paper, and covered by Above the Law.
Turns out that the entire thing was a lie.
In the original letter, which was so incredibly detailed that it included dialogue, Perkins stated that he wanted to share with his classmates a "real-life anecdote illustrating the myth of equal protection under the law."
Students and faculty lauded his honesty.
After a thorough investigation into the matter, The Atlantic Wire reports that the University concluded that Perkins' allegations of police harassment were unfounded.
He has now confessed to the lie, stating that he wrote the article to bring attention to the issue of police misconduct.
As of now, no charges are expected to be filed against Johnathan Perkins, but Above the Law points out that his blatant disregard for the truth is likely cause for discipline under the school's honor code.
Perkins is expected to graduate on May 22, so the law school does have time to conduct a disciplinary hearing. If he's found to have violated the honor code, he will not be awarded his degree (it's a one strike and you're out system).
Should Johnathan Perkins be awarded his J.D.? And if so, should he have to report this incident to the bar's character and fitness committee? Or is forever being called a liar by Google search results sufficient enough punishment?
Related Resources:
- U.Va.: Student recants racial profiling claim (Associated Press)
- Professor Charged with Battery for Closing Student's Laptop Screen (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)
- Ethics Lesson of the Day: Don't Falsify Your Transcript (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)