Student Files Claim, Seeks $5M for Hate Crime at San Jose State University

A San Jose State student is asking for $5 million in damages related to an alleged hate crime on campus, according to a claim filed Wednesday.

The claim, filed by Donald Williams, alleges the university ignored warning signs of a dangerous situation in the dorm and was negligent. The lawsuit is the first time the public has officially learned the freshman's name.

Williams, a black student who said his four white roommates bullied him for weeks by locking him in his room, hanging up a Confederate flag and putting a bike lock around his neck.

A SJSU spokesperson on Thursday told NBC Bay Area the university is aware of the claim, but also said it was filed with the wrong agency.

The student's attorney said if the university rejects the claim, he will file a lawsuit.

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