The best and worst reactions to the $11 million judgment against Oberlin College

Friday afternoon, a jury found in favor of Gibson’s Bakery, rendering a whopping $11 million judgment against Oberlin college. Professor Jacobson’s crack analysis of the verdict is here.

Legal Insurrection is the only national outlet who has followed the near month-long trial extensively. For our coverage of the trial, see here.



The Gibson Family Reacts

David Gibson reacts to $11 million jury verdict against Oberlin College after his 5-generation bakery was almost put out of business by false accusations of racial profiling: "The stress put on the family was terrific" https://t.co/je7UjGpGT1 pic.twitter.com/CjeBpRIouz — Legal Insurrection (@LegInsurrection) June 7, 2019

So do trial-watchers

Hoo boy, now *here’s* a blow against the race-baiting outrage mob: pic.twitter.com/HF7K11jkHx — Guy Benson (@guypbenson) June 7, 2019

Pretty huge news here: Gibson Bakery, a fifth-generation family establishment, wins $11 million judgment against Oberlin College for defamation. This is an absolutely bonkers case: https://t.co/LDLMn2GzJx — Ellen Carmichael (@ellencarmichael) June 7, 2019

WOW! Great news for justice – bad news for the SJW defamers at my alma mater ==> #gibsonsbakery /1 https://t.co/9cw9boKguy — Michelle Malkin (@michellemalkin) June 7, 2019

VERDICT: Jury awards Gibson's Bakery $11 million against Oberlin College Falsely calling people racist because they called the police on criminals just cost lefties a ton of money https://t.co/zFdDrzbNdF — John Cardillo (@johncardillo) June 7, 2019

Really a shocking case. A social justice mob encouraged by Oberlin tried to smear and destroy this bakery simply for not letting some students steal from them. Now Oberlin will have to pay for it. https://t.co/9TKtOlw9CE — (((AG))) (@AG_Conservative) June 7, 2019

I am an Oberlin grad and a “west coast liberal” Still, I am appalled by the college’s behavior. The optics of an exclusive school for rich kids going after a local mom and pop business were just horrible. — Harvey B (@HarvyB3) June 7, 2019

So let it be written, so let it be done

OUCH!!! Is the return of pluralism coming? Has the inquisitional hysteria phase of this #GreatAwokening cycle been dealt a critical blow? Who knows, but this is major….https://t.co/d7vVAj3coY — chris goble (@cgoble72) June 7, 2019

Someone call the wambulance:

In their testimony, the three convicted Oberlin College students admitted they tried to steal wine from Gibson's Bakery & Market and that the owners did not, contrary to the college and student activists' claims, engage in racial profiling. https://t.co/NAmDACeA47 — Ellen Carmichael (@ellencarmichael) June 7, 2019

Really disappointed and honestly shocked that Oberlin lost that defamation case. Now my donations to my alma mater will also contribute to cranky old racists? Fucked up. — Anna Menta (@annalikestweets) June 7, 2019

Whelp this is where our alumni donations will be going for the foreseeable future https://t.co/aVATKcCLJh — Nick Riccardi (@NickRiccardi) June 7, 2019

We’ll pass, but thanks

The Oberlin Alumni Association sent the following email:

Dear Members of the Oberlin Community: I am writing to update you on the lawsuit that Gibson Bros., Inc. filed against Oberlin College and Vice President and Dean of Students Meredith Raimondo in the Lorain County Court of Common Pleas in November 2017. Following a trial that spanned almost a full month, the jury found for the plaintiffs earlier today. We are disappointed with the verdict and regret that the jury did not agree with the clear evidence our team presented. Neither Oberlin College nor Dean Meredith Raimondo defamed a local business or its owners, and they never endorsed statements made by others. Rather, the College and Dr. Raimondo worked to ensure that students’ freedom of speech was protected and that the student demonstrations were safe and lawful, and they attempted to help the plaintiffs repair any harm caused by the student protests. As we have stated, colleges cannot be held liable for the independent actions of their students. Institutions of higher education are obligated to protect freedom of speech on their campuses and respect their students’ decision to peacefully exercise their First Amendment rights. Oberlin College acted in accordance with these obligations. While we are disappointed with the outcome, Oberlin College wishes to thank the members of the jury for their attention and dedication during this lengthy trial. They contributed a great deal of time and effort to this case, and we appreciate their commitment. Our team will review the jury’s verdict and determine how to move forward. Donica Thomas Varner

Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary



