To Concerned Citizens and Advocates of Fairness:

I, David Allen III, write this petition on behalf of my brother, Christopher Deshun Allen, who has been unjustly suspended by Tennessee State University (TSU) based on baseless allegations. Christopher, a hardworking student with a clean record and a four-year scholarship, has endured severe violations of his rights under FERPA, Title IX, and the Fourteenth Amendment that have derailed his education and future.

This petition seeks justice for Christopher and calls on TSU to correct its violations and implement reforms to ensure fairness for all students.

 
The Case
Christopher and I were falsely accused by a fellow student, Eriana Renee Hendrix-Pitts, of vandalizing her vehicle. These unsubstantiated claims were not supported by credible evidence, yet TSU unjustly punished Christopher by:

She suspended him for over a year, depriving him of his education and career opportunities. Revoking his four-year scholarship created financial hardship for our family. Violating his privacy rights by unlawfully disclosing his personal information to the accuser, enabling retaliatory legal actions that were later dismissed. TSU’s disciplinary process demonstrated clear bias, lack of due process, and noncompliance with federal laws, jeopardizing the rights of all students.

What We Demand
To rectify this injustice, we demand that TSU:

Reinstate Christopher’s academic standing and scholarship.
Issue a formal apology for the harm caused to him and our family.
Conduct an independent review of its handling of this case.
Provide compensation for emotional, reputational, and financial damages.
Ensure compliance with federal laws, including FERPA and Title IX, through training and oversight. Hold accountable those responsible for misconduct and privacy violations.
 
Why This Matters
TSU’s actions set a dangerous precedent, eroding trust in its commitment to fairness, due process, and student rights. If uncorrected, this negligence jeopardizes the safety and equity of the entire student body. By addressing this injustice, TSU can rebuild trust and ensure it upholds the principles of transparency and accountability.

 
Legal Basis
FERPA: Protects student privacy; TSU violated this by disclosing Christopher’s personal information.
Title IX: requires impartial investigations; TSU failed to conduct one in this case.
Due Process (Fourteenth Amendment): TSU denied Christopher a fair hearing to cross-examine the accuser, violating precedents like Goss v. Lopez (1975) and Doe v. Baum (2018).
 
Join Us
This is not just about Christopher—it’s about ensuring no student faces the same mistreatment. By signing this petition, you are standing for fairness, equity, and justice at TSU.

Sincerely,
David Allen III