Federal judge ruled that it was too soon to make decision.
Midshipman Chase Standage filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Naval Academy after they moved to expel him for posting crude messages on social media this past summer. U.S. District Judge Ellen Hollander noted in her dismissal that the U.S. Navy has yet to make a final disciplinary decision, so her ruling would be premature. The judge dismissed the lawsuit this past week “without prejudice,” which allows Standage the possibility of reviving the suit after the Navy’s official decision.
The expulsion of Standage was recommended by the academy’s superintendent, Vice Admiral Sean Buck after he reviewed Standage’s tweets. Standage claims that expelling him over social media posts violates his First Amendment rights and the dismissal of the lawsuit a violation of his Fifth Amendment right to due process. He had hoped a preliminary injunction would have allowed him to graduate from the academy.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the U.S. Naval Academy to use their best judgment to uphold American values.
- That Judge Hollander would receive divine discernment as she oversees her cases.
- For this country to turn to the Lord in the midst of instability and conflict.
Sources: AP, NPR
