Cadet appeals suspension for bathroom photo

Criminal charges pending
April 19, 2017 Dahlonega - Dante Harris leaves Military Leadership Center on University of North Georgia Dahlonega Campus on Wednesday, April 19, 2017. He is facing suspension and the potential loss of his $70,000 scholarship. He is also facing a felony charge and a misdemeanor charge. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

Credit: Hyosub Shin

Credit: Hyosub Shin

April 19, 2017 Dahlonega - Dante Harris leaves Military Leadership Center on University of North Georgia Dahlonega Campus on Wednesday, April 19, 2017. He is facing suspension and the potential loss of his $70,000 scholarship. He is also facing a felony charge and a misdemeanor charge. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

A University of North Georgia cadet suspended for taking an embarrassing photo of a school official appealed his suspension Wednesday.

Dante Harris asked to be allowed back in the fall. The university suspended Harris, a junior cadet attending UNG on a $70,000 military scholarship, for taking and sharing a photo of the assistant commandant standing in front of a urinal with his shorts pulled down, buttocks visible.

Local police also charged Harris with crimes, one a felony, related to the photo.

Harris was a standout at Columbus High School, despite being virtually homeless when his mother kicked him out his senior year. Amber Massey took him under wing, stabilized his life and encouraged him to apply for the scholarship.

They are concerned about the effects of the suspension and looming criminal charges on his scholarship and life. They will have to wait to find about about Harris’ appeal.

Massey is receiving some offers of help, including $10,000 from an Atlanta man to help Harris with living expenses until the issues are resolved.

You can read the whole story at MyAJC.com.