Ryan Parish, the student that was suspended from The University of Alabama’s campus this past week due to racially based threats on another student’s life, was arrested by The University of Alabama Police Department on Oct. 7, according to AL.com.

Parish was arrested and charged with harassing communications, a class C misdemeanor. This charge arose from the threatening messages and comments Parish made on Facebook towards Jamal Commander, a fellow UA student. According to AL.com, Parish posted the $1,000 bond that same day and was released from custody. 

According to Alabama law, harassing communications are entailed by any of the following criteria:
– Communicates with a person, anonymously or otherwise, by telephone, telegraph, mail, or any other form of written or electronic communication in a manner likely to harass or cause harm.
– Makes a telephone call, whether or not a conversation ensues, with no purpose of legitimate communication.
– Telephones another person and addresses to or about such other person any lewd or obscene words or language.

Parish’s arrest came after the University issued a statement last week saying,
“The University does not condone the use of hostile or racist language, or threats of violence in any situation. We urge every member of the UA community to be respectful of others and to express opinions in a manner that does not threaten or infringe upon the rights of others. 

The University of Alabama values the freedoms our country stands for, including the free expression of opinions and speech. UA strives for a community that is welcoming to all by providing an accepting and inclusive community.”
After this statement was released, another was released clarifying that,
“The University does not condone the use of hostile languages or threats of violence in any situation. Proper authorities are being notified about recent social media posts, and incidents will be addressed.

We urge every member of the UA community to be respectful of others. While opinions may differ, words are powerful, and we encourage everyone to engage in expression of opinions that do not threaten or infringe upon the rights of others.
Just to be clear, the University’s statement about freedom of expression was in reference to the incident that spurred the social media attention –– a group of UA students who chose to sit during the national anthem.”