Taylor Dumpson facts for kids

Taylor Dumpson is an American lawyer who works to protect civil rights. She became the first Black woman president of the student government at American University. After this, she faced unfair attacks and online harassment. She bravely fought back with a successful lawsuit.

Early Life and School

Taylor Dumpson was born in Washington D.C. She grew up in the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Her mother works at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Her father is a movie producer. Her family has lived in the Eastern Shore since the 1800s.

A sad event, the killing of Trayvon Martin, made a big impact on her. She felt it was a "generational moment." This inspired her to become more active in standing up for what's right during high school.

She went to Wicomico High School. Then she studied Law at American University. Later, she earned her law degree from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.

Student Leader at American University

At American University, Taylor was part of Alpha Kappa Alpha. This is a sorority mainly for Black women. On April 30, 2017, she became the first Black woman president of the student government.

Just one day later, on May 1, something upsetting happened. Bananas were found hanging from nooses on campus. Some had notes aimed at her sorority. The FBI started looking into it. Students protested, and many attended a meeting to discuss the incident.

Within days, Taylor learned that a website called The Daily Stormer was targeting her. This website, run by Andrew Anglin, started a "troll storm." This meant people were harassing her online. They posted her picture and contact information. Taylor said she had to increase her security. The harassment made her feel very upset and stressed.

Fighting Back: Dumpson v. Ade

In April 2018, Taylor Dumpson decided to take action. With help from the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, she filed a lawsuit. She sued Andrew Anglin, Evan James McCarty, and Brian Andrew Ade. The lawsuit said they broke laws against hate crimes and discrimination.

The lawsuit also accused Anglin of causing her emotional distress. It said he interfered with her right to an equal education. It also claimed he was part of a plan to stalk her.

In December 2018, Taylor reached an agreement with Evan James McCarty. This agreement focused on making things right. McCarty agreed to apologize to Taylor. He also agreed to reject white supremacy ideas. Plus, he had to do community service.

Historic Court Decision

In August 2019, Taylor won her case against Andrew Anglin. The court ordered Anglin to pay her over $725,000. This money covered damages, court costs, and legal fees. The court also issued orders to stop Anglin, Ade, and Moonbase Holdings from harassing her. Moonbase Holdings is the company that supports The Daily Stormer.

Judge Rosemary M. Collyer ruled that Taylor was "targeted because of her race and gender." Taylor's lawyer, Kristen Clarke, called this ruling "historic." It was important because it showed that racist online harassment can stop someone from having equal access to public places like a university.

Her Career

In 2021, Taylor Dumpson became a President's Fellow at the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. This organization is based in Washington D.C. and works to protect civil rights. She has continued to work there as an associate counsel, helping to fight for justice and equality.