In a decisive ruling that underscores the importance of protecting students’ constitutional and civil‑rights, U.S. District Judge Robert Naftz ordered Idaho State University (ISU) to reinstate former pharmacy student Chanica Sintima and to award her a total of $728,371.55 in damages, attorney fees and court costs.
Background of the case
Sintima, one of the few Black students in ISU’s L.S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy, was expelled in January 2024 after raising concerns of racial discrimination and retaliation while completing an Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. She also participated in First Amendment‑protected association with the Pocatello chapter of the NAACP.
During the trial, a jury found that Dr. Erin Berry and Dr. Kasidy McKay, faculty members in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administrative Sciences, retaliated against Sintima in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, the Idaho Human Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1983, and the First Amendment.
Judicial findings and award
The court’s final judgment, filed on Nov. 6, awarded Sintima $160,000 for the university’s breaches, $544,276 for attorney fees and $24,095.55 for court costs and expenses, bringing the total to $728,371.55.
Judge Naftz ordered that Sintima be reinstated to ISU in good standing, that a “no‑pass” grade be changed to an “incomplete,” and that she be given the opportunity to retake her pharmacy rotation and complete her Doctor of Pharmacy degree. If she chooses not to return, the university must use its best efforts to transfer her earned credits to an equivalent accredited pharmacy program.
Student’s response
“I have dreamed of becoming a pharmacist since the fifth grade,” Sintima said in a release from her attorney, J. Grady Hepworth. “I am deeply grateful to Judge Naftz for carefully considering my case and restoring my opportunity to complete my pharmacy education.”
Sintima maintained a 3.62 cumulative GPA and earned multiple Dean’s List honors before her expulsion. She hopes her experience will encourage others facing discrimination to stand firm and speak out.
University’s reaction
Idaho State University released a statement indicating that it is reviewing the judge’s decision and will respect the court’s findings. The university affirmed its commitment to providing a safe and respectful learning environment for all students.
Implications for the community
The ruling sends a clear message that institutions of higher education must uphold students’ constitutional rights and cannot retaliate against individuals who raise legitimate concerns of discrimination. It also highlights the role of the federal courts in enforcing civil‑rights protections at the state level.
Local families, educators and faith‑based groups have expressed support for Sintima’s perseverance and for the court’s affirmation of fairness and equal opportunity in education.
Original reporting: KIVI Idaho News 6 Boise metro (local) — read the source article.
