There is no doubt in the mind of the lawyer representing Matt Barter that restrictions imposed on his client are related to a recent protest in the capital city.

Barter stood by the podium, holding a stop sign, as Memorial University President Vianne Timmons spoke at a funding announcement at the Landing on December 2. The following day he was banned from access to campus—except to attend class and exams—while an investigation was conducted.

University President Timmons says while they cannot speak to specific cases, a ban has never been imposed on a student because of a protest.

Barter’s lawyer, Kyle Rees, wrote the Student Code of Conduct Officer for Memorial University to express his client’s concerns about the interim measures taken against him.

Rees says it’s “no coincidence” that the measures taken occurred on the day following Barter’s silent protest.