A former University of South Alabama Women’s head volleyball coach faces new allegations of sexual abuse. The plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit claim that the coach sexually harassed and emotionally and physically abused her players for several years. The lawsuit also claims that the university knew that an abusive situation was going on and failed to stop the abuse and protect the student-athletes.
The plaintiffs in the lawsuit are former volleyball players for South Alabama. In addition to the former coach, the lawsuit alleges that the University’s associate athletic director perpetuated the abusive situation. In total, there are currently eight former players who have signed on as plaintiffs to the lawsuit.
Sexual Harassment is Far Too Common in College Athletics
Unfortunately, this is not the first time athletes have been subjected to sexual abuse, and it will not be the last. According to the complaint, the athletes allege that they were routinely subjected to sexual, physical, and emotional abuse along with sexual harassment. The lawsuit claims that the coach created a climate of intimidation and fear by overly training players and coercing them to play when they were injured. The plaintiffs allege that the coach forced them to play through serious medical conditions such as knee and ankle injuries, asthma attacks, and concussions.
The complaint also alleges that the coach forced a player to cuddle with her in a hotel room bed during a road trip, pinched their buttocks as they left the team bus, and forced them to engage in floor hugs. In a floor hug, the student-athlete lay on the ground while the coach lay on top of them. One player alleges that the coach slapped her across the face. One plaintiff alleges that the university knew about this situation and tried to cover it up. The plaintiffs allege that they have suffered physical and psychological damage that will last for a long time.
What to Do if You Have Been Sexually Harassed or Abused as a Student Athlete
Many universities handle complaints about sexual abuse from student-athletes poorly. The school may be worried about losing the coach if they investigate the allegations. For this reason, if you have been sexually harassed or abused by a coach or any other staff member at your university, it is important that you work with an attorney. An attorney can help represent your interests and ensure that the university does what it should do under federal law to investigate your claim.
Can I Sue My University for a Sexual Harassment Claim?
If you have been sexually abused during your time at an Alabama college or university, and your school is not helping you, you may have a right to sue for damages. Students have a legal right to file a lawsuit against the university if they believe the university has violated their Title IX rights. Title IX is a federal law that prohibits public institutions, including universities, from engaging in any type of sex-based discrimination. Title IX violations are not limited to sexual harassment, they can also include a university pressuring a victim to stay silent, ignoring the victims case, or threatening the victim.
Many colleges and universities do not understand the federal Title IX laws. Under Title IX, colleges and universities have an obligation to take certain steps when a student accuses a staff member of sexually assaulting or harassing them. All of these obligations extend to colleges’ and universities’ athletic departments. When a coach or student-athlete is the harasser or the victim, the athletic department must be involved in the investigation.
The Statute of Limitations
If you are considering filing a lawsuit against your university, it is important to be aware of the statute of limitations. Students can file a claim with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) against their university within 180 days of the last act of discrimination. Once the notice has been filed, students have two years to file a lawsuit against the University. You may be concerned that your university will try to punish you, kick you off of your sports team, take away your scholarships, or more. However, if a school punishes someone for filing a Title IX claim while they are still enrolled, they will be in violation of federal law.
Contact an Alabama Title IX Attorney Today
If you have been the victim of sexual abuse or assault at a university or college, you may be entitled to compensation through a Title IX claim. Contact the experienced sexual harassment attorneys at Heninger Garrison Davis today to schedule your free initial consultation.
