Student Gets Expelled Because of Facebook Photo

Published on Tuesday, January 18th, 2011 by Sebastian Grant Category: College News Most Popular Articles

Kansas City, KS (CollegeToCareers.com) – Doyle Bymes, a 22 year old nursing student from Johnson County Community College, was expelled after she posted a picture of herself holding a human placenta on her Facebook profile. The college is now facing a legal challenge, as Bymes filed a suit before Christmas to have her ouster reversed.

In their defense, the college representatives stated that they could not tolerate such a behavior, since Bymes’ action has put the reputation of the college at risk. Jeanne Walsh, nursing director at JC Community College, sent her a written letter criticizing her utter lack of professional behavior surrounding the event. The former student and her attorney argued that the placenta came from an anonymous donor, so there are no privacy considerations involved, since no one’s anonymity has been compromised.

The incriminating photo was taken during a lab session devoted to the studying of human placenta on November 10 last year. Bymes allegedly had the verbal approval of Amber Delphia, the class instructor, to take the picture. Four students asked for permission to take pictures of themselves with the placenta, and the instructor had nothing against it. According to the lawsuit, Bymes was called by the instructor three hours after she had posted the picture on Facebook and asked to remove it, which she did. She believes that the photograph hasn’t violated the school’s policies in any way, so her ouster has no grounds. In her defense, Bymes also has the instructor’s testimony – Delphia told her that “she wouldn’t get into trouble” because of what she did, as well as a written note to the school’s board apologizing for her actions and asking not to be expelled.

On the next day, she and the other three students were expelled. Cliff Cohen, Bymes’ attorney, talked to her other colleagues but, for now, he is only representing Bymes. Cohen believes Bymes has a strong case and the decision of the Johnson County College is likely to be reversed by court. The college already announced that the four students may apply back in the fall semester to continue their nursing education, but he is counting on an immediate reinstatement before classes resume on January 19. If not, believes Cohen, Bymes’ whole future career is at risk. With such a “black mark” on her record, it’s hard to say whether she will be admitted to another nursing school or if she will be able to get a job.

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