RICHMOND Va.

A Regent University law student who posted an unflattering photo of school founder Pat Robertson on the Internet has been banned from campus and ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation before he can return to classes.

Adam M. Key, 23, also was ordered to undergo counseling if a mental health provider that is acceptable to the university deems it appropriate, and to provide a report showing that he has completed any treatment plan required. He also must agree to allow the mental health provider to provide regular updates on his treatment to the school.

"It's rather entertaining to me that I've been there a year and a half now and only now are they concerned about my mental state," Key said in a telephone interview.

Key received his undergraduate degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas.

Key posted a picture of Regent's chancellor and president making what appears to be an obscene gesture on his Facebook social-networking page. Key said he copied the photo from an online video in which Robertson scratches his face with his middle finger.

In a letter he received Friday from Associate Dean for Student Affairs L.O. Natt Gantt II, Gantt said several students have come forward expressing concern about Key's behavior this semester, and have reported that Key said he brought a gun onto campus.

Key, who provided a copy of the letter to The Associated Press, denied ever having a gun and accused the university of exploiting the fear that lingers since a gunman at Virginia Tech killed 32 people last April in handing down its harsh punishment.

"There's a big difference between someone who was incredibly violent like the Virginia Tech kid and someone who disagrees with the administration," he said in a telephone interview. "At the time we start labeling people who have dissenting voices as dangerous, we start losing the freedom that makes us Americans."