Idaho State University Found Liable for Racial Retaliation Against Former Pharmacy Student, Jury Awards $160K
A Bannock County jury has ruled that Idaho State University retaliated against a former pharmacy student based on her race, finding that the university and two of its faculty members violated her First Amendment rights and civil rights protections under federal and state law. The verdict, announced by Judge Robert Naftz on Thursday, awards Chanica Sintima $160,000 in damages.
The case centered on Sintima’s expulsion from ISU’s L.S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy in January 2024, just months before she was expected to graduate. According to attorneys from Hepworth Law Offices and the Law Office of Howard A. Belodoff, who represented Sintima, the university’s actions came after she raised concerns about racial discrimination and sought association with the Pocatello Chapter of the NAACP — both constitutionally protected activities.
What the Jury Found
The jury determined that ISU, along with faculty members Dr. Erin Berry and Dr. Kasidy McKay, violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, the Idaho Human Rights Act, and 42 U.S.C. § 1983 under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. According to ISU’s website, McKay serves as chair of the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administrative Sciences. Berry was identified in court records as Sintima’s instructor during an Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in fall 2023.
Sintima had maintained a cumulative 3.62 GPA and earned multiple Dean’s List recognitions prior to her removal from the program. Her lawyers stated she was in her fourth year of the program and on track to graduate in May 2024 when the events in question unfolded.
According to the attorneys’ news release, after Sintima reported concerns about racial discrimination and unfair treatment during the EIRMC clinical rotation, ISU restricted her access to the facility, failed her in the course, and ultimately expelled her from the College of Pharmacy program on January 24, 2024.
“In rendering its verdict, the jury has defended student rights to freedom of speech under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, as well as principles of equality and equal protection,” the attorneys’ news release stated.
ISU Responds, Pledges Continued Commitment to Students
Idaho State University provided a statement following the verdict that acknowledged the court’s decision while disputing its conclusions.
“While we do not agree with the conclusion that retaliation occurred, we respect the judicial system and look forward to moving beyond this issue,” the university’s statement read.
The university also emphasized its broader policies: “Idaho State University has established policies and processes in place to ensure students have a safe and respectful learning environment, and ISU’s employees work diligently to create a supportive educational experience for all students. ISU will continue to make every effort to ensure that university policies and processes reflect that commitment.”
The jury received its instructions and began deliberations on Tuesday before delivering its verdict Thursday, according to a case summary form from the Bannock County Courthouse.
Sintima’s legal team noted she has received an “outpouring of support” from the Pocatello community. According to the attorneys’ release, Sintima “wishes to express her sincere appreciation” and “looks forward to using this opportunity to further her life-long dream of becoming a Doctor of Pharmacy.”
For more detail on the jury’s findings and the damages awarded, see our earlier report: Jury finds Idaho State University retaliated against Black pharmacy student, awards $160K in damages.
What Comes Next
With a verdict now on the record, ISU faces a $160,000 judgment stemming from the jury’s findings of retaliation and civil rights violations. Whether the university pursues post-trial motions or an appeal has not been publicly announced. The case could also prompt scrutiny of institutional policies and processes at ISU and other Idaho higher education institutions. Sintima, for her part, has indicated her intent to continue pursuing her goal of becoming a Doctor of Pharmacy. Bannock County News will continue to follow this case as it develops. For statewide education coverage, visit Idaho News.