Black Former Nichols College Students File Federal Civil Rights Lawsuit Alleging Racially Discriminatory Discipline

By Jerry Filmore

DUDLEY, Mass. Two former Nichols College students have filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Nichols College, alleging the institution discriminated against them by imposing harsher disciplinary sanctions than white students involved in the same campus altercation.

According to Lawyers for Civil Rights, the lawsuit was filed on behalf of Shamar Hall and Giovanni McLaughlin. The complaint alleges Hall was expelled and McLaughlin was barred from campus activities and student life after an October 2023 fight in which the students contend they acted in self-defense. The lawsuit further alleges that white students involved in the same incident were not meaningfully investigated or disciplined.

Hall and McLaughlin are represented by Lawyers for Civil Rights and Zalkind, Duncan & Bernstein LLP. The Worcester Branch of the NAACP has publicly expressed support for both students.

According to the lawsuit, Nichols College violated the students’ civil rights through racially biased investigative practices, selective enforcement of student discipline, and by failing to address racially charged posts made on the social media platform Yik Yak during the disciplinary process. These allegations have not been proven in court.

In a statement released with the lawsuit, Hall said the college unfairly targeted the students and placed their futures at risk. McLaughlin stated that he had never previously faced disciplinary action and is seeking what he described as a fair and just resolution. These statements reflect the plaintiffs’ position in the case.

Mirian Albert, a senior attorney with Lawyers for Civil Rights, said colleges have a legal obligation to conduct disciplinary proceedings that are fair and free from discrimination. Monica Shah, a partner with Zalkind, Duncan & Bernstein LLP, alleged Nichols College applied a double standard by imposing severe discipline on the Black students while white students involved in the incident were not meaningfully investigated or held accountable. Those statements represent the views of the plaintiffs’ attorneys.

Fred Taylor, president of the Worcester Branch of the NAACP, said in the release that equitable treatment within higher education is essential and that the organization believes systems of bias should be addressed when institutions fail to treat students fairly. This statement reflects the position of the Worcester Branch NAACP.

According to the lawsuit, Hall and McLaughlin asked Nichols College in April 2024 to reinstate Hall as a student in good standing, restore McLaughlin’s access to campus housing and academic resources, and conduct a review of its disciplinary policies and practices. The plaintiffs allege the college did not take those actions. The lawsuit also states both students ultimately transferred to other institutions after their educational plans were disrupted.

The allegations stem from an incident that has been the subject of public concern since 2024. At that time, the Worcester Branch of the NAACP and Lawyers for Civil Rights publicly called on Nichols College and the Dudley Police Department to review their handling of the case. Dudley police previously denied allegations of racial bias in their investigation, while Nichols College cited student privacy laws when declining to discuss disciplinary matters publicly.

What’s Up Worcester reached out to Nichols College for comment regarding the allegations contained in the lawsuit. As of publication, no response had been received. This article will be updated if the college provides a statement.

The case is expected to move through the federal court system. At this stage, the court has not made any findings regarding the allegations, and Nichols College has not been found liable for any claims asserted in the lawsuit.

Although Nichols College is located in Dudley, the institution serves students from Worcester and across Central Massachusetts. The lawsuit may be of interest to Worcester residents, families, educators, and current or prospective college students because it raises questions about campus disciplinary procedures, equal treatment, and civil rights protections within higher education.

🔍 The W.U.W. Verification Box

• Project / Topic: Federal civil rights lawsuit against Nichols College
• Current Status: Federal lawsuit filed. Allegations remain pending before the court.
• Key Dates or Decisions:
  • October 2023: Campus altercation occurred.
  • April 2024: Students sought reinstatement and policy review, according to Lawyers for Civil Rights.
  • June 2026: Federal lawsuit publicly announced.
• Estimated Cost (if applicable): Not applicable.
• Timeline (if known): Federal litigation is ongoing. Future court dates have not yet been announced.
• Immediate Next Steps: Nichols College may file a formal response in federal court. Additional filings and hearings are expected.
• Primary Sources:
  • Lawyers for Civil Rights
  • Federal civil rights complaint
  • Zalkind, Duncan & Bernstein LLP
  • Worcester Branch of the NAACP
  • Nichols College
• What We Do Not Yet Know:
  • Nichols College’s response to the lawsuit.
  • The college’s legal defenses.
  • Future court schedule.
  • Whether the case will proceed to trial or be resolved before trial.

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