Top 10 Dumbest Things Said by Oberlin Administrators and Legal Team in the Gibson’s Case

“We were trying to get students to realize that shoplifting was harmful.”
Marvin Krislov, former Oberlin President, testimony in court

“I don’t take a side on the position being protested. I’m on the side of safety and lawful behavior. I support the students by what they need to do to keep the action safe and lawful.”
Meredith Raimondo, Dean of Students, testimony in court

“We want you to know that the administration, faculty, and staff are here to support you as we work through this moment together.”
Krislov/Raimondo public email to students, November 11, 2016, two days after shoplifting incident

“So can we draft a legal agreement clearly stating that once [shoplifting] charges are dropped the [purchase] orders [with Gibson’s] will resume. I’m baffled by their combined audacity and arrogance to assume the position of victim.”
Tita Reed, Special Assistant for Government and Community Relations, email to other administrators

“Gibson’s is not clean on this … The police report is bullshit, so obviously biased toward the Gibson’s … But the bigger issue, is that this is not an isolated incident, but a pattern.”
Ben Jones, Vice President for Communications, email to other administrators

“FUCK [Oberlin professor and Gibson’s supporter] ROGER COPELAND.”
Ben Jones, text to Raimondo

“Fuck [Copeland]. I’d say unleash the students if I wasn’t convinced this needs to be put behind us.”
Raimondo, text to Jones

“[Oberlin News Tribune editor Jason Hawk] is a liar.”
Raimondo to director of media relations Scott Wargo, regarding Hawk’s claim that Raimondo gave him a student flier at the protest. (She subsequently testified that she did indeed hand him a flier.)

“I think that [their history] is irrelevant. I look at this from a financial standpoint and not an emotional standpoint.”
Sean Saari, Skoda Minotti partner, paid ($50,000) defense witness, assessing Gibson’s value

“Yes.”
Donica Thomas Varner, Oberlin Vice President and General Counsel, when asked during post-verdict damage hearings if she “regrets that the jury did not agree with the clear evidence our team presented.”