Recent changes in the law have affected how universities handle negligence claims. In the past, colleges were somewhat protected from these claims because of a rule called in loco parentis, which meant they acted like parents for students. But now, things are changing, and universities are being held more accountable.
Here are some important effects of these changes:
Broader Duty of Care: Courts are now saying that universities have a bigger responsibility to keep students safe. This includes not just safety on campus but also during sports and other activities. Because of this, there’s a greater chance of being sued for negligence.
Higher Standards for Employee Behavior: Cases like Doe v. Taylor Independent School District show that schools may be responsible for their employees if they are consistently negligent. This means that colleges need to be careful about hiring staff and make sure they get proper training on issues like harassment and abuse.
Focus on Mental Health: There’s a growing understanding that mental health is very important for students’ well-being. This has led to more attention on what universities must do to provide support. Schools could be held responsible if they don’t offer enough mental health services, especially if students are harmed because they didn’t get help.
Changes with Title IX Claims: The laws around Title IX, which deals with gender equality and preventing sexual assault, have changed too. Because of this, there are more claims related to sexual assault and harassment. Universities now have to follow strict reporting and response procedures, which means they have a greater duty to protect students.
Because of these changes, colleges and universities need to be more careful in how they operate. They must make sure their rules and actions are strong enough to prevent possible negligence claims.
Recent changes in the law have affected how universities handle negligence claims. In the past, colleges were somewhat protected from these claims because of a rule called in loco parentis, which meant they acted like parents for students. But now, things are changing, and universities are being held more accountable.
Here are some important effects of these changes:
Broader Duty of Care: Courts are now saying that universities have a bigger responsibility to keep students safe. This includes not just safety on campus but also during sports and other activities. Because of this, there’s a greater chance of being sued for negligence.
Higher Standards for Employee Behavior: Cases like Doe v. Taylor Independent School District show that schools may be responsible for their employees if they are consistently negligent. This means that colleges need to be careful about hiring staff and make sure they get proper training on issues like harassment and abuse.
Focus on Mental Health: There’s a growing understanding that mental health is very important for students’ well-being. This has led to more attention on what universities must do to provide support. Schools could be held responsible if they don’t offer enough mental health services, especially if students are harmed because they didn’t get help.
Changes with Title IX Claims: The laws around Title IX, which deals with gender equality and preventing sexual assault, have changed too. Because of this, there are more claims related to sexual assault and harassment. Universities now have to follow strict reporting and response procedures, which means they have a greater duty to protect students.
Because of these changes, colleges and universities need to be more careful in how they operate. They must make sure their rules and actions are strong enough to prevent possible negligence claims.