Bakery owner speaks out after Oberlin College was fined $36 million over false racial profiling allegations

Nov. 9, 2016: Allyn Gibson Jr. catches Oberlin College student Jonathan Aladin stealing a bottle of wine from Gibson’s Bakery around 5 p.m., leading to a pursuit on the street. Aladdin’s friends Endia Lawrence and Cecilia Whettstone intervened and a brawl ensued. All three students are arrested.

Later that evening, around 10 p.m., a group of students plan a protest alleging that Allyn Jr. racially profiled the three suspects. The students promote the protest via email.

Nov. 10, 2016: Dean of Studies Meredith Ramiondo learned of the planned protest around 7am. She helps distribute a student-made flyer detailing the incident and encourages community members to boycott Gibson’s.

Around 11 a.m., about 200 students gathered outside Gibson’s Bakery to protest. Raimondo helped lead the demonstration with a megaphone.

Later that evening, around 11:15 p.m., the Oberlin College Student Senate notifies school officials that it has passed a resolution condemning the bakery. The resolution was posted in a display case in the school’s student center, where it was kept for a year.

Nov. 11, 2016: Students gather around 11am for a second day of protest.

Nov. 12, 2016: Counter-protesters arrive in Oberlin to show their support for the Gibson family.

Nov. 14, 2016: Oberlin College suspends daily orders for baked goods for canteens. All other commercial agreements with the shop may continue.

November 21, 2016: Then-College President Krislov meets with David Gibson and others at the President’s house.

January 18, 2017: Dean of Studies and Chief of Staff meet with David Gibson.

January 23, 2017: President Krislov issues a statement to the campus community advising that the college is resuming standing orders for the bakery.

April 27, 2017: Charges were filed against Aladin, Lawrence and Whettstone that include robbery charges.

Aug. 14, 2017: The three students charged with shoplifting pleaded guilty and changed the misdemeanor charge. The plea deal called for her to avoid jail time and seek amends.

November 17, 2017: The Gibson family files a defamation lawsuit against Oberlin College and Raimondo.

June 2019: A jury found the school guilty of defamation, largely based on evidence against Raimondo. Oberlin College was ordered to pay Gibson’s Bakery $40 million in damages, reduced to $25 million and $6 million in legal fees

Oct. 9, 2019: Oberlin College announces that its attorneys have appealed the Gibson’s Bakery case.

November 16, 2019: David Gibson dies at the age of 65 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

June 5, 2020: Oberlin College appeals Gibson’s Bakery case

February 12, 2022: Allyn Gibson Sr dies at the age of 93.

March 31, 2022: The court dismisses Oberlin College’s appeals and upholds the verdict against the school.

April 1, 2022: Court orders Oberlin College to pay Gibson’s $33 million. The college continues to deny the payout and says it is considering its options.

April 4, 2022: A reporter from DailyMail.com visits Oberlin, Ohio and speaks with the Gibson family attorney.

August 30, 2022: The Ohio Supreme Court says it will not accept the college’s appeal of the $25 million judgment