UC Berkeley Harassment Lawsuit | Latest Updates

UC Berkeley Harassment Lawsuit Overview

The UC Berkeley harassment lawsuits involve allegations of misconduct, bullying, and harassment by university staff members against students. Primary allegations include inappropriate behavior, bullying, harassment, and racial discrimination. At least 36 current or former Golden Bears Cal swimmers and divers, 17 parents, a former member of the Cal men’s swimming and diving squad, 2 former coaches, and 2 former Cal athletic department employees have made accusations against one coach [1].

“The swimmers and their supporters recounted how McKeever allegedly routinely bullied swimmers, often in deeply personal terms, or used embarrassing or traumatic experiences from their past against them, used racial epithets, body-shamed and pressured athletes to compete or train while injured or dealing with chronic illnesses or eating disorders, even accusing some women of lying about their conditions despite being provided medical records by them,” the Register said.

Latest UC Berkeley Harassment Lawsuit Updates

September 19, 2022 – A University of California Berkeley team doctor and the school’s head women’s swimming coach have been suspended and are under investigation by authorities after being accused by students of inappropriate behavior.

May 25, 2022 – Teri McKeever, Cal’s women’s swimming head coach, was placed on paid administrative leave by U.C. Berkeley and is being investigated both by the university’s Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD), as well as by the U.S. Center for SafeSport.

December 15, 2021 – Dr. Kent Scheff, an associate team physician for Cal’s athletic teams, was placed on “investigatory leave” following complaints by female athletes alleging misconduct by the doctor.

UC Berkeley Injuries & Side Effects

Victims of harassment at UC Berkeley have reported several serious effects:

• Emotional Distress: Victims experienced significant emotional trauma
• Educational Disruption: Students’ academic performance was affected
• Sports Career Impact: Athletes’ competitive careers were negatively impacted
• Psychological Harm: Reports of lasting psychological effects from the alleged harassment

Do You Qualify for a UC Berkeley Harassment Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a UC Berkeley harassment lawsuit if:

• You were a student or employee at UC Berkeley during the relevant period
• You experienced harassment, bullying, or misconduct by staff members
• You reported or documented the incidents
• You can provide evidence linking your distress to the harassment

Evidence Required for a UC Berkeley Harassment Lawsuit

• Documentation of harassment incidents
• Reports filed with university authorities
• Witness statements
• Medical records for any physical or psychological treatment sought

Damages You Can Recover

• Emotional distress compensation
• Medical expenses for therapy or counseling
• Lost wages
• Punitive damages in some cases

Statute of Limitations for UC Berkeley Harassment Lawsuits

There are strict time limits for filing harassment lawsuits against UC Berkeley. While specific timeframes vary by state and the type of claim, it’s important to understand that:

• Federal discrimination claims typically must be filed with the EEOC within 180 or 300 days of the harassment incident
• State law claims may have different filing deadlines
• Claims against public institutions like UC Berkeley may have additional notice requirements
• Delaying action could jeopardize your right to compensation

Contact a qualified attorney immediately to understand the specific deadlines that apply to your case.

FAQs

1. What compensation can be sought in a UC Berkeley harassment lawsuit?

Compensation in a UC Berkeley harassment lawsuit can include damages for emotional distress, medical expenses for therapy or counseling, lost wages, and other related costs. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to penalize the university for negligence.

2. How can victims of harassment at UC Berkeley report their experiences?

Victims of harassment at UC Berkeley can report their experiences to the university’s Title IX office, campus police, or other designated offices. They should also document incidents and seek support from counseling services or legal advisors.

3. What steps should I take if I experience harassment at UC Berkeley?

If you experience harassment at UC Berkeley, document the incidents, report them to the university’s Title IX office or other appropriate channels, seek support from campus resources, and consult with a lawyer to discuss your legal options.

4. Who are the main subjects of the current UC Berkeley harassment investigations?

The current investigations involve Dr. Kent Scheff, an associate team physician, and Teri McKeever, Cal’s women’s swimming head coach, both of whom have been placed on “investigatory leave” following allegations.

5. What specific allegations have been made against Coach McKeever?

Coach McKeever is accused of routinely bullying swimmers in deeply personal terms, using embarrassing or traumatic experiences from their past against them, using racial epithets, body-shaming, and pressuring athletes to compete or train while injured or dealing with chronic illnesses or eating disorders.

6. What agencies are investigating the UC Berkeley harassment cases?

The investigations involve the university’s Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD) as well as the U.S. Center for SafeSport.

7. What is the scope of the investigations into Coach McKeever’s behavior?

The investigations initially focused on potential racial discrimination but have since been expanded to consider potential discrimination based on sexual orientation and national origin.

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• UCLA Gynecologist Lawsuit
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• San Francisco High School Teacher Sexual Abuse Suit

See all related sexual abuse lawsuits our lawyers have taken on.

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue legal action in harassment cases. The statute of limitations varies by state and the specific nature of the claim.

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Reference

1. https://www.ocregister.com/2022/06/23/uc-berkeley-team-doctor-has-been-suspended-while-under-investigation/