My college says if I miss class to testify at my assault trial, they’ll drop me from my classes (UPDATE) : legaladvice

My college says if I miss class to testify at my assault trial, they’ll drop me from my classes (UPDATE)

Thanks to everyone’s terrific advice, I got my university’s ombudsman involved, and also reached out to a local survivors group (similar to RAINN) who connected me to a wonderful attorney who facilitated between me and the legal services team at my school.

Within a day of meeting with the school’s general counsel, my attorney and I were invited to meet with the deans who had made the initial decision.

One of my professors also apparently saw my legal advice post and put two and two together (my professors were not previously aware of the full extent of what was going on) and he and my other professors submitted a letter on my behalf protesting the administration’s decision, copying the board, ombudsman, legal counsel, and high level members of the administration, which was so incredibly touching I am still overwhelmed and trying to properly thank them.

Between my professors’ incredible gesture and my showing up with an attorney raising flags, at the meeting I was given carte blanche to work out the details of my absences between myself and my professors (I’ll take them at school, just early) and two were able to give me modified assignments that could be done at home but still exemplified the same knowledge and skill sets.

The ombudsman and the legal counsel assured me they are looking into the policy that caused this ordeal in the first place, the ombudsman in making sure the policy is being correctly and reasonably enforced (e.g., not used to coerce students into violating a subpoena) and the legal counsel is advising the administration on new guidelines for the policy so no one else has to experience this going forward.

Thank you everyone here who took time to give me such helpful advice. I appreciate all of you!