Seven women who have publicly accused administrators at Louisiana State University of failing to respond to complaints of sexual harassment and sexual assault have filed a federal lawsuit against the university, alleging discrimination and Title IX violations.
The plaintiffs, who are current and former LSU students, filed the class-action complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana late last month against the LSU Board of Supervisors, Tiger Athletic Foundation and other college officials. The university’s sexual misconduct response plan has been in a state of disarray since 2013, according to the lawsuit.
“For years, LSU and the Tiger Athletic Foundation have ignored known systemic issues in LSU’s response to reports of sexual misconduct in favor of promoting and glorifying LSU student-athletes and coaches to reap financial and reputational benefits of a venerated college football program,” the complaint states.
The women – some of whom have testified about their experiences before the state legislature – say they were victims of sex bias and actions by male students that include rape, sexual assault and stalking, according to the lawsuit. The university’s Title IX Office then dissuaded them from filing complaints or ignored allegations that were reported, the complaint says.
Since the lawsuit became public, other individuals have reached out to attorneys handling the lawsuit, but the university has yet to respond to the specifics of the lawsuit.
“Other people have come forward with information,” co-counsel Karen Truszkowski told the Louisiana Record.
The plaintiffs have continued to speak out about their experiences at the Baton Rouge campus, Truszkowski said, and the primary purpose of the lawsuit is to force the university to change its policies on sexual harassment and protect students from abuses.
“That is the main goal – shine some light on it,” she said.
The plaintiffs and class members contend that the total claims related to the litigation exceed $5 million, independent of interest and other costs. They are seeking damages for pain, emotional distress, medical expenses, pharmaceutical expenses, loss of employment and ability to earn a living, and loss of educational opportunities.