Student seeks $2 million after being kicked out of paralegal program

A former Herzing University student who was allegedly kicked out of its paralegal program is seeking $2 million in damages, claiming in part that he now suffers from unreasonable irritability.

Acting as his own attorney, De Rome A. Seals filed suit against Herzing Inc. Aug. 30 in federal court in New Orleans.

Seals states he enrolled in the program in April 2009 and provided Herzing University copies of his academic transcripts, including copies of his bachelor's and master's degrees. He says he was awarded Pell grants and student loans for the paralegal program.

According to his complaint, in July 2010 the university contacted Seals and informed him that he had improperly received government funds and that the school had repaid the government money. The university allegedly told Seals that he was now in debt to the university and was being withdrawn due to allegedly attempting to defraud the government.

Seals is still in the process of appealing the decision and has complained of the school's actions to the Louisiana Department of Education, his suit claims.

Seals accuses Herzing of failing to exercise due process in violation of his civil rights, cruel and unusual punishment, negligent infliction of mental and emotional distress, libel, defamation of character and extortion attempt.

He is asking for the monetary award for mental and emotional anguish, embarrassment, humiliation, aggravation of pre-existing illnesses, undue stress, homicidal/suicidal ideations, undue anxiety and heightened, unreasonable irritability.

U.S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:10cv02848