Sauder Schelkopf is investigating claims that certain colleges and universities may not provide adequate mental health services for students. Universities have faced a significant increase in students struggling with mental health issues. For years, many schools have reportedly “hustled those students off campus instead of treating them as people with disabilities who are entitled to special accommodations to remain, mental health advocates say.” Some universities have reportedly changed their policies in response to lawsuits,federal investigations, and accusations of discrimination. Other schools are re-examining their policies as a result.
Sauder Schelkopf served as co-lead counsel in a landmark class action settlement in which the University of Michigan agreed to “major institutional reforms.” It was alleged that UofM’s longtime employment of a predatory former sports doctor evidenced a toxic environment where students face an increased risk of sexual violence in violation of Title IX. The settlement comes after widespread allegations by over 1000 survivors of sexual misconduct by Dr. Robert E. Anderson, former director of University Health Service, and a former athletic team physician, who worked at the University of Michigan from 1968 until his retirement in 2003.