We have a lot of experience representing those who have faced discrimination and unfair treatment in higher education, students as well as staff, in the United States and United Kingdom. We’ve represented staff in claims against universities for unfair dismissal, discrimination and harassment, and frequently represent students who have experienced sexual harassment or sexual violence.
Our founding partner, Dr Ann Olivarius, was a plaintiff in the groundbreaking Title IX lawsuit Alexander v. Yale, which established for the first time that American universities have a legal obligation to work to prevent and deter sexual harassment. We frequently bring successful cases in this area.
Georgina Calvert-Lee, Head of our UK Practice, has represented numerous students and academics in discrimination claims against their universities. Georgina works closely with the advocacy organisation The 1752 Group. In February 2020, they and McAllister Olivarius published a sector guidance for addressing staff sexual misconduct. Georgina is regularly interviewed about universities’ responsibility to handle sexual misconduct complaints, in particular in online spaces.
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Students
Read moreWe’ve successfully brought cases against universities across the US for violations of Title IX, and the UK under the Equality Act, representing students who have experienced discrimination, sexual violence or sexual harassment and have not been adequately protected by their institution.
We’ve represented student victims at major universities, such as Oxford, Cambridge, University College London, UCLA, the University of Rochester, Columbia, NYU, the University of Miami, Stanford.
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Staff and Faculty Members
Read moreWe advise university faculty and staff in the US and UK, from lecturers/assistant professors to vice chancellors/university presidents, on tenure and promotion, sexual harassment claims and employment disputes.
We also provide review services and training for higher education institutions to ensure that they are compliant with relevant laws, including Title IX, the Clery Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
Relevant posts
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UR settles Jaeger retaliation suit with $9.4 million (Campus Times)
“We hope this settlement encourages people affected by discrimination and retaliation to seek justice and never give up,” said our plaintiff, Richard Aslin.
In the Press -
Warwick University apologises to women targeted by ‘rape chat’ (The Guardian)
The vice chancellor of Warwick University apologises to our clients after an independent report criticises the uni’s existing procedures for dealing with sexual violence and misconduct.
In the Press -
UCL ends NDAs, after McAllister Olivarius client Emma Chapman spoke out (The Times)
UCL announced an end to its use of gag orders in cases of sexual harassment. This is in large part due to the activism of McO client Emma Chapman, who spoke out against the NDA UCL made her sign.
In the Press