Seven current and former students have filed a lawsuit against the University of the South, widely known as Sewanee, seeking more than $35 million in damages. The legal action claims that exposure to toxic black mold in a campus dormitory, Johnson Hall, led to severe health problems and significantly disrupted their academic lives.
Key Takeaways
- Seven students are suing the University of the South for over $35 million.
- The lawsuit alleges that toxic mold in Johnson Hall caused serious health issues.
- Reported symptoms include nosebleeds, headaches, fatigue, and other respiratory problems.
- The university is accused of ignoring student complaints and blaming them for their illnesses.
- Legal filings claim mold levels in some rooms were 2,200 times higher than outdoor air.
Details of the Lawsuit Filed in Franklin County
The lawsuit was officially filed in Franklin County, Tennessee, naming the University of the South as the defendant. The plaintiffs, a group of seven individuals who are either currently enrolled or previously attended the university, are represented by the law firms Just Well Law, PLLC, and Davis & Davis.
The core of the legal complaint centers on conditions within Johnson Hall, a student residence on the Sewanee campus. The students allege that the university was negligent in its duty to provide a safe living environment, allowing dangerous levels of mold to proliferate within the building.
The demand for more than $35 million in damages reflects the severity of the alleged health impacts, the disruption to the students' education, and punitive damages intended to hold the university accountable for its purported inaction.
Understanding University Liability
Universities, like landlords, have a legal responsibility known as a "duty of care" to provide safe and habitable living conditions for students residing in campus housing. This includes maintaining buildings to prevent hazards like toxic mold. Lawsuits of this nature often focus on whether the institution knew or should have known about the problem and failed to take appropriate action.
Severe Health Issues Linked to Dormitory Conditions
According to the lawsuit, the students experienced a wide range of debilitating health symptoms they attribute to mold exposure. These symptoms reportedly began after they moved into Johnson Hall and, in some cases, persisted long after they left.
The complaint details several specific health problems, including:
- Chronic nosebleeds
- Persistent headaches and migraines
- Severe fatigue and lethargy
- Respiratory difficulties
- Cognitive issues, often described as "brain fog"
These medical issues allegedly had a direct and negative impact on the students' ability to attend classes, study effectively, and participate in university life. The lawsuit argues that their academic performance suffered as a direct result of the health problems caused by the living conditions.
What is Black Mold?
"Black mold," commonly referring to the species Stachybotrys chartarum, can release mycotoxins. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to mold can cause symptoms like a stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes or skin. More severe reactions can occur in people with mold allergies or compromised immune systems.
Allegations of Negligence and Dismissal
A central claim in the lawsuit is that Sewanee administrators were aware of the potential for mold in Johnson Hall but failed to act. The plaintiffs state that they and other students made numerous complaints about the suspected mold and their deteriorating health, but these concerns were repeatedly ignored or dismissed by university officials.
The lawsuit further alleges that instead of addressing the environmental hazard, the university administration shifted blame onto the students. The legal filing suggests that officials implied the students' health problems were their own fault, rather than a consequence of an unsafe living environment provided by the institution.
"Sewanee administrators long knew or should have known that these dorm rooms were unsafe for human habitation," stated attorney Kristina S. Baehr of Just Well Law. This statement underscores the plaintiffs' argument that the university was knowingly negligent.
Extraordinary Mold Levels Reported
To support their claims, the students' legal team commissioned environmental testing in some of the affected dorm rooms. The results, as cited in the lawsuit, were alarming. It is claimed that the concentration of mold spores inside some rooms in Johnson Hall was 2,200 times higher than the levels found in the air outside the building.
This stark figure is a critical piece of evidence presented by the plaintiffs to demonstrate the extent of the contamination. Such a high concentration of indoor mold spores is considered a significant environmental health hazard and forms a cornerstone of the argument that the dormitory was not fit for habitation.
Legal Precedent and What Comes Next
This lawsuit is not an isolated incident in higher education. Universities across the country have faced similar legal challenges regarding mold in dormitories. These cases often hinge on proving that the institution was aware of the problem and failed to remediate it in a timely and effective manner, leading to harm.
With the lawsuit now filed, the legal process will move forward. The University of the South will be required to formally respond to the allegations. The process will likely involve a discovery phase, where both sides exchange information, documents, and conduct depositions.
The case could potentially proceed to a trial in Franklin County, or the parties could reach a settlement agreement before that stage. The outcome will be closely watched by students, parents, and administrators at other institutions, as it could have broader implications for university housing standards and liability.
