Student journalists at The UWM Post at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee announced late Sunday they plan to sue two former student government officials, alleging they participated in the theft and destruction of 800 copies of the newspaper in November October.
In a news story, the paper said it’s own investigation revealed former Student Association President Alex Kostal directed his office manager to steal the newspapers. It also claims former Senate Oversight and Rules Committee Vice Chairman David Sidhu helped dispose of the newspapers after the Post began asking about them.
The Post reported that Kostal and Sidhu both resigned Sunday, and were also being investigated by the student association and the university.
In the Post story, Kostal denied any involvement. Sidhu reportedly denied being involved in the theft, but declined to comment on the disposal for “legal reasons.”
Supporting its allegations, the newspaper cited video footage of the theft, and interviews with Andrew Hapka, the office manager.
The newspaper claims 800 copies of the Nov. 1 Oct. 31 issue were stolen from stands. The issue contained an editorial criticizing a student association event.
From a Post release:
“After consulting with Attorney Advocate Adam Goldstein with the Student Press Law Center, The UWM Post has made the decision to sue former Student Association President Alex Kostal and former Senate Oversight and Rules Committee Vice Chairman David Sidhu for First Amendment violation.
“The Post believes that both Kostal and Sidhu participated in the theft and destruction of 800 copies of The UWM Post and that because they were both acting as representatives of the state, as per Wisconsin State Statute 36.09(5), they should be held accountable under applicable civil rights law.”
This story will be updated.
* Correction: The Post has issued a correction that the newspapers were actually taken Oct. 31.