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 March 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.
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.
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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Universities ‘put on notice’ that they could be sued over sex abuse after top unis named on Everyone’s Invited (iNews)
Universities ‘put on notice’ that they could be sued over student sexual harassment – our top team Ann Olivarius and Georgina Calvert-Lee warn no more sweeping sexual harassment under the rug.
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U of I sued over sexual misconduct (Illinois Times)
Our clients are suing the University of Illinois for failing to protect them from their violent and exploitative professor. The University was too focused on protecting future income from Chinese students.
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The difference in reporting sexual assault at a UK uni vs a US uni is thousands of pounds (The Tab)
Kelsey Murrell explains the key legislative differences in reporting sexual assault at university in the UK versus the US; and why she’s holding universities accountable when they derail students’ lives.
