""Dismissal of the criminal charges is the appropriate outcome here," said Dominique Erney, Counsel, Justice System Reform at SCSJ. "Overly aggressive policing undermines public safety. Here, it placed our clients in a dangerous situation that was not of their making. They should never have been forced to endure this ordeal.""
""Today is good news for Ms. Rea, Mr. Thomas, and their families. The dismissal of these charges brings closure to what has been an incredibly difficult chapter in their lives, and I'm grateful the legal system reached this outcome," said Sen. Michael Garrett, who represents Guilford County. " What concerns me now is UNCG's decision to continue pursuing disciplinary action against Ms. Rea despite the full dismissal of criminal charges. If the courts have determined these charges cannot stand, the university should follow that lead. Continuing this investigation only prolongs the trauma for a young woman who came to UNCG to pursue an education, not to be dragged through months of legal and administrative proceedings. I urge Chancellor Gilliam to bring this matter to a close and allow Ms. Rea to move forward with her life and her studies.""
Criminal charges against UNC-Greensboro student Alisia Rea, 22, and her partner, Quinten Thomas, 24, were voluntarily dismissed in Guilford County District Court on Jan. 21, 2026. The two were represented by the Southern Coalition for Social Justice following a violent arrest on October 6, 2025 that drew widespread attention. The dismissal removes criminal liability but campus disciplinary proceedings against Rea remain possible. SCSJ will press the university to end its investigation and seek full vindication if a hearing occurs. State Sen. Michael Garrett urged Chancellor Gilliam to close the matter to prevent further trauma and allow Rea to continue her studies.
Read at SCSJ
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