The women explained they were student reporters, and that they shot video from a public sidewalk, “yet the officers were unrelenting in their intimidation,” the letter said. The students said the police searched their vehicle and bags, requested to see the video, demanded their social security numbers and home addresses, and the women cooperated.

The letter further stated that the First Amendment protects the rights of all citizens to take photos and videos from a public sidewalk. “Lindenwood University requests that you make an inquiry into the officers' behavior and utilize this opportunity to remind them of the First Amendment and lawful treatment of the press – in this case, student press.” The university requested a statement from the department about this issue and a written apology to the two students.

The department said that Dotson has reviewed the letter and the department will investigate the allegations. “We respect their First Amendment rights and regret any discomfort they may have experienced,” according to a statement from spokeswoman Schron Jackson.