The student editor in trouble for printing the f-word has retained attorney David Lane, best known for representing former University of Colorado professor Ward Churchill.

J. David McSwane ran the words "F--- Bush" in headline-size type last week in the Colorado State University newspaper, the Rocky Mountain Collegian. He is to defend the decision at 7 tonight before a student publications board.

Lane said he won't be at that meeting because he's involved in a murder trial.

"I wrote a letter to him outlining his legal rights and I told him to feel free to distribute it to the oppressors at CSU," Lane said. He said the letter analyzes First Amendment rights.

If McSwane is fired, it will be up to him if he sues, Lane said.

"If he wants to sue and they have retaliated against him for his First Amendment protected speech, I would be happy to do that. If he does not wish to sue, then that's his choice," Lane said.

McSwane has cited the First Amendment in defending his decision to print the epithet.

Lane has sued on behalf of Churchill in Denver District Court, charging that the dismissal of the former ethnic studies professor was retaliation by the CU regents for his political views. That case turns on the First Amendment.

Lane also defended Churchill when he was charged with interfering with Denver's Columbus Day parade.

morsonb@RockyMountainNews.com

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