Roy is in his third year at State University and a member of the university\'s b
ID: 2747355 • Letter: R
Question
Roy is in his third year at State University and a member of the university's basketball team. He is a good student majoring in kinesiology and has not been in any trouble with the team, university, or NCAA. While not a superstar, Roy has seen some quality playing time the last two years coming off the bench in relief of the teams starters. He also was in consideration for last year's conference sportsmanship award. This year the basketball team has a new coaching staff and Roy has been excited in the early practices with his performance and subsequently his increased role on the team. He put in considerable time over the summer in the weight room and also working on his shot. It appears that hard work has paid off as he has been named the starter at the small forward position. However, recently, one of the members of the new coaching staff has begun making comments about Roy's religious beliefs. Specifically, the coach has suggested Roy's Muslim faith is tied to al-Qaeda and insinuating that Roy is a 'homegrown terrorist'. Additionally, the new coaching staff has begun requiring the players to recite the Lord's Prayer before games. Roy has stood in silence during the recitation of the prayer but has not participated which has drawn more remarks from his coach. The situation escalated when Roy refused to play in a game which was scheduled on the day of an import Muslim religious holiday. He did not attend the game and instead took part in religious services with the university's Muslim student organization. When he returned to the team the next day, the coaches had demoted him from his starting position. Roy did not see any playing time in the next game and has not played a minute since missing that game. Roy tried on several occasions to schedule meetings with the coaching staff to discuss the situation and his lack of playing time. But, the coaches have not responded to his requests and have been 'busy' when he has stopped by their offices. Frustrated, Roy has scheduled a meeting with the Athletic Director for the week following Thanksgiving. However, when the team was given 3 days off for the Thanksgiving holiday break, the coaches approached Roy and recommended he stay home and not return to the team. He was also informed that the coaching staff had decided to terminate his scholarship at the end of the school year and he should plan accordingly. Roy has decided to sue the university for violation of his constitutional rights. Using constitutional law as a lens, please discuss the fact pattern in detail. What are the key facts of this case? What specific laws are involved in this case? What claims might Roy have against State University? Be specific and detailed. How might State University defend themselves against such claims? Be specific and detailed. In your opinion, who is likely to win if this case were to go to trial? Why? If you were the athletic director at State University, how would you handle this situation? Why? Be certain to use correct course terminology in your response and refer to specific sections of the law as well as relevant cases where appropriate.
Explanation / Answer
Constitutional law-
The constitutional law defines the relationship of various entities within a group. As lens of constitutional law, Roy is third year at State University who majors kinesiology and a very good Basketball player
The Various entities can be considered as Roy, basketball, kinesiology. Group can be considered as university. Student and Good player are the relationships.
What are the key facts of this case?
- Roy is Muslim who is religious and also a very good player. His religious beliefs are as equally important as basketball game to him.
However, not necessarily Roy has refused to play the game just because it is on the day of an import Muslim religious holiday. This can be purely coincidental too.
What claims might Roy have against State University?
Below are the list of claims Roy will have against State University:
1. It is not a crime to have religious beliefs. If Roy is a Muslim and follows his culture religiously, he need not be a terrorist. On the other hand, he is good basketball player and good at studies too. However, Roy has been treated as 'homegrown terrorist' without any proof.
As per Section 295A, any person who disrespects other religion and their beliefs are liable to imprisonment
2. As Roy has refused to play the game on Muslims religious holiday, everyone started ignoring him without even asking the reason for not playing the same. People just assumed that has religious beliefs are more important to him than the game and his career
3. Since Roy is a good student at studies and good basketball player, it is very bad idea terminate his scholarship for no proper reason
How might State University defend themselves against such claims? Be specific and detailed.
Though the Roy was good player and good at studies, as he did not play the game for some reason, this will result the university to get the low rank in the sports sector.
In your opinion, who is likely to win if this case were to go to trial? Why?
Roy will win the case as everything was just an assumption made. Roy was always good at sports and studies. Hence, terminating his scholarship and declaring him as terrorist is not correct.
Related Questions
Navigate
Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.