Student Punished for Zoom Background Photo of Trump

Robert Dailyda, a doctoral student at Stockton University in New Jersey, is the latest in a string of students who have had their constitutional rights infringed upon for expressing conservative beliefs. 

What was his crime? Well, Dailyda likes our President, which is now equal to… cyberbullying?

On July 1,  Robert Dailyda used a picture of the President for his virtual Zoom background. The image sparked complaints in GroupMe after the class. Dailyda left the chat to prevent the conflict from escalating. Later, he clarified his political beliefs on Facebook. 

Amy Jones Rozell, the Director of Care and Community Standards at Stockton filed a report against Dailyda. She wrote, “On July 1, 2020 the university was made aware of a post made by Mr. Robert (Bob) Dailyda to his personal Facebook account that at the time was open to the public. Several individuals stated that they found the post offensive, threatening, and concerning. This post came after an incident that occurred in class where Mr. Dailyda put up a virtual background picture of President Trump which caused several individuals in his cohort to feel offended, disrespected, and taunted. Mr. Dailyda and a few of his classmates discussed the virtual background event over a GroupMe chat and although the discussion became heated, it did not become threatening, and Mr. Dailyda left the Group Me to avoid continued conflict.”

What type of terrible Facebook post did Dailyda write? Did he profess his support for the Nazis? Did he threaten anyone? Did he spout a wacky conspiracy theory? 

Not exactly.

Dailyda posted:

“I have gotten to the point that I have to say something. I love this country. We are a diverse, yet assimilated population from all backgrounds. I believe all must have the same opportunities and I commit to make that a priority. Beyond that, I am done with the leftist agenda of BLM and the white self-haters. I have seen it in action in my doctoral classes at Stockton and the general media. I’m not backing down. If we can’t get past this, ok, I’m ready to fight to the death for our county and against those that want to take it down. I believe there are also many like me.”

That’s it? Sheesh. If that’s too radical for Stockton, let’s hope nobody tells them about Twitter. They might have to call the National Guard.

A little under a week after the post, Stockton hit Dailyda with 6 disciplinary charges, including cyberbullying and harassment. 

At Stockton, apparently supporting the President is a crime now. 

Dailyda may face suspension, a $50 fine, or have to attend a Social Justice workshop. 

Wow.  That seems like cruel and unusual punishment. I think I’d take my chances with the electric chair before a “Social Justice Workshop.”

Dailyda offered his thoughts on the matter. “Stockton’s organizational leadership program claims to focus on the integrity of leadership, however from my experience they do not associate integrity with free speech and open debate,” Dailyda critiqued. “They have created a deeply embedded and systematic environment that squelches the free speech of those who disagree with their radical agenda. I never thought I would see this from a public university that should be facilitating a marketplace for the full spectrum of ideas, not a monopoly.”

Dailyda is working with brave folks at The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) to defend his constitutional rights against Stockton.

Hat Tip: FIRE