Donald Williams Jr., a black student at San Jose State University and a resident of Santa Cruz, filed a $5 million claim on March 19 against the institution, which alleges breach of contract, breach of duty, negligence, and violation of the Unruh Act. The claim stems from alleged hate crimes committed against Williams in his SJSU dorm room by three of his housemates in the Fall of 2013.

In February, an independent fact finding report was released that outlined the incidents. The report states that the series of events occurred over the course of the semester, between late August and early October of 2013, and the University became aware of the Victim’s situation on October 13. Williams' parents were visiting their son's accommodations on that date when they observed a Confederate flag in the common area and a racial slur written on a whiteboard. Williams' parents then reported their observations to the Resident Assistants (“RA”) on duty. Additional incidents were subsequently revealed: Williams had a bicycle U-lock forcibly placed around his neck, which injured him, and he was also barricaded in his bedroom by the suspects.

After the incidents became public, large protest rallies were held at the university organized by the SJSU Black Student Union, which demanded change at the university, including protecting its African American studies courses.

Read More | See Also: SJSU Releases Hate Crime Report | San Jose State University Hate Crime Deplorable