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USF trustees grant judge opportunity to speak on behalf of expelled veteran

 
Published Dec. 2, 2015

TAMPA — A Hillsborough County judge has been granted his request to speak in front of the University of South Florida's board of trustees Thursday, where he will ask the school to readmit a former U.S. Army Green Beret.

Former Staff Sgt. Clay Allred, expelled after firing a gun at a convenience store, needs to complete 17 credits to earn his bachelor's degree. Circuit Judge Gregory Holder wants USF to allow Allred to finish his information security degree through online courses.

After a series of requests, Holder received a response from the board's chief of staff, Cindy Visot, granting him up to three minutes to speak at Thursday's 9:30 a.m. meeting. However, Visot noted, "neither the governing board nor the president render admissions decisions in individual cases."

Holder said he is "extremely pleased" to address "what is truly a national issue."

Holder, a veteran himself, believes Allred deserves a second chance despite his actions the night of Aug. 21, 2014, when he urinated on a gas station floor; told a Muslim clerk, "I don't like you people;" and fired a gun in the air three times as he drove away, according to police.

Allred was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, discharging a firearm and criminal mischief. He was sentenced to two years of house arrest after experts found his post-traumatic stress disorder from tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, along with traumatic brain injury, contributed to his alcoholism and his crime.

Holder said Allred is one of thousands of men and women who suffer from PTSD and traumatic brain injuries earned in the line of duty.

"We have so many Clay Allreds out there," he said. He wants the board to consider the university's stated commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration of veterans.