rhaugh2154

I Stood Up to a Bully and Others Are Standing With Me

I Stood Up to a Bully and Others Are Standing With Me

By Robert Haugh

When I I got sued by Miles Barber, I wasn’t sure what to do. I currently have no income and few resources to fight a lawsuit. I’m writing Santa Clara News Online and offering my opinions about public events because I love my community and local reporting. I don’t have advertisers or sponsors. But I knew I had to fight back, because Miles Barber, by filing a frivolous lawsuit to retaliate against criticism, is using bullying tactics. It’s taken a toll on me personally and professionally.

But I turned to the community, and the community responded. Fundraising has done well. We still have a little way to go to reach our $10k goal, but enough money has come in that I’ve been able to retain legal counsel.

In addition to over 60 contributions from community members and supporters, I’ve received help from two local organizations – The Santa Clara Police Officers Association and the The Santa Clara Youth Soccer League. I want to disclose their help because I’m grateful and I want to be open about the help I receive. I have their permission to disclose their support of my legal defense.

Thanks to the overwhelming support from the Santa Clara community, I’ve retained Kenneth White as counsel.  Mr. White is one of the founding partners of Southern California’s Brown White & Osborn LLP. He is one of the best First Amendment and anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) attorneys in the country.  He’s handled an array of SLAPP complaints and has a remarkable record in defending freedom of speech and freedom of the press. He believes in the cause.

bully_MED

White was Special Counsel at Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton (2003-2005); an Associate at Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker (2001-2003); Assistant to the United States Attorney, Central District of California, Criminal Division, Government Fraud and Public Corruption Section (1995-2001).

His education includes Harvard Law School (J.D., 1994, cum laude); Editor-in-Chief, Harvard Journal on Legislation (1993-94); Stanford University (B.A., Political Science, 1991, Departmental Honors).

I feel good that I have on my side the principles of freedom, the protection of the law, an outstanding lawyer and the wonderful community.

bully

9 comments

  2. My name is Korin Wheaton. I am a freshman at Wilcox HS. I have been bullied by an ASB student rep and his friends on Instagram as agents of the school. Do you know who I should contact at Santa Clara Police Dept for help?
    Thank you so much for your help.

    Reply

    • Hi Korin,
      Scpd can be reached at (408)615-5580. This is a non-emergency number. You can let the operator know the issue and they will get you to the proper officer. It will likely be an officer from “School Services”

      Here’s a helpful link: http://www.mvhs.fuhsd.org/cyberbullying

      Another great resource: the Bill Wilson Center hotline 1-888-247-7717, or text GO to the Crisis Text Line of 741-741. They are in Santa Clara and might have some ideas for you.

      Best of luck!

    • That’s very disappointing. Maybe call at another time? Sorry to hear these. Keep documenting everything. Maybe go in-person to the PD as well. Please don’t let one rude person keep you from reporting to the PD. Good luck!

  3. My name is Korin Wheaton. I am a student at Wilcox High School. I have been bullied by an ASB student rep and his friends as agents of Wilcox HS on Instagram . Do you know who I can contact at the Santa Clara Police for help?
    Thank you for your help.

    Reply

Leave a Reply