Charges have reportedly been dropped against a University of Central Florida student who was suspended for “cyberbullying” after he posted a viral tweet grading a letter from his ex-girlfriend.
In February, Nicholas Lutz tweeted a photo of the apology letter he was allegedly given by his ex. In the post, he graded her grammar and spelling and ultimately awarded her a “D-“ on her letter:
When your ex writes you an apology letter so you grade it to send it back pic.twitter.com/MczdjcCiil
— Nick Lutz (@NickLutz12) February 17, 2017
WFTV reports as a result of the letter, Lutz was suspended from the University of Central Florida for two semesters due to “cyberbullying” and “disruption," even though his ex-girlfriend does not attend the school.
According to WFTV, the university initially sent Lutz a letter accusing him of breaking a law through his tweet. Lutz’s ex-girlfriend reportedly filed a cyberbullying report against the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, but the report was never pursued.
Lutz’s attorney, Jacob Stuart, told WFTV, “That should really, fundamentally, concern people. Not only those who are students, but people who believe in the idea of freedom of expression.”
Lutz added, “If they can do that to me, it can happen to almost anybody. That’s upsetting.”
WFTV noted on July 17 that Stuart was appealing the university’s charges. On July 19, Lutz tweeted that he won his appeal against the school:
After a very long process, I am pleased to announce that I have won my appeal! All charges against me have been revoked, thank you everyone! pic.twitter.com/FUYKFBo9MK
— Nick Lutz (@NickLutz12) July 19, 2017
Stuart also shared the same letter on his Twitter account.
The letter from Stuart claims, “After a very long process and anxiety filled journey, we are pleased to share that all sanctions against Mr. Lutz have been revoked at this time. Mr. Lutz is no longer suspended or facing any pending sanctions. UCF should be commended for taking their immediate and decisive action of revoking these ill-founded sanctions.”
In the attached letter from the University of Central Florida, the school admits, “Specifically, the charges brought forward in this case were not supported by the original documentation received.”
The letter adds Lutz “would like to thank all of his supporters for their messages of encouragement; this is truly a day for the 1st Amendment and the right to free speech.”
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