Three New York college students involved in the January 30 bus brawl have been found responsible for breaching the student code of conduct, UAlbany President Robert Jones said.
Contrary to their claims, the charges imply the three students were found to be the aggressors in a brawl that was caught on video.
Just one day after the women pleaded not guilty to assault charges, Ariel Agudio and Asha Burwell have been dismissed from the university, while Alexis Briggs has been suspended for two years for violating student code of conduct, the university's president said in a message to the campus community Thursday, May 5.
The African American female students, Ariel Agudio, Asha Burwell and Alexis Briggs, all 20, reported they were "harassed and assaulted" by a group of 10 to 12 white men and women on CDTA bus on January 30. The trio also claimed "racial slurs were used by the perpetrators," according to reports on NBC.
The account sparked an outcry on the university campus.
However, the video from inside the bus did not quite tell the same story as the female students. No evidence to support their claims that they were harassed because of their race were found by the investigators, University police said in February. No signs of racial slurs being used were found either.
An attorney for Asha Burwell slammed the school claiming all three students were in good standing but the university as well as the university police urged charges be brought.
Attorney Frederick Brewington noted that "the real crime now is that the university is serving as the charging party against its own students in the criminal courts."
University grad student, community organizer and activist Rosa Clemente admitted that the criminal case is an overreach.
"I think it's definitely an overreach. I think it's now becoming more of a political persecution," Clemente told NBC affiliate WNYT.
The university President Robert J. Jones noted that the account was simply used "as an opportunity to engage with the critical issues around race in our society."
"I encourage all of us to continue to remain united as we work together to nurture an inclusive and respectful campus community," Jones added.
The three students could face jail time if convicted as the case heads for trial, but their attorneys intend to fight the charges and are confident justice will be served.
