After the arrest, and subsequent release, of a member of the media during a student protest on campus, Vanderbilt University is reviewing its response to the incident and its policies regarding media access to campus.
Vanderbilt has asked noted Nashville attorney Aubrey B. Harwell, Jr. to lead the review.
Harwell, co-founder of the law firm of Neal & Harwell, PLC, is expected to review what led to the decision to detain the Nashville Scene reporter, explore any steps that could or should have been taken before his detention, and consider how Vanderbilt can best balance its commitment to free expression with its need to maintain safety, privacy and operations of the campus community.
Harwell's past clients include Bridgestone Americas, Tennessee Valley Authority, Pilot Flying J, the University of Tennessee, The Tennessean and the former Nashville Banner.
Harwell and his firm have extensive expertise and experience in First Amendment law, representing media members and private citizens in matters including advocacy for freedom of expression and freedom of the press, and access to the courts. Harwell will be joined in this review by his partners Trey Harwell, former president of the Nashville Bar Association, and Ronald G. Harris, a recognized authority on First Amendment freedoms who has represented NewsChannel 5, among other media outlets.
The findings of the review, expected to be complete in late spring, will be made public.
