[CA] Can I sue a university for damages under title IX?
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Thank you for sharing this. I’m really sorry you went through all of that—it’s not just unfair, it’s deeply harmful, and it sounds like the university failed you in multiple ways.
In California, you can sue a university under Title IX if the school was “deliberately indifferent” to known harassment or discrimination. From what you’ve described—long delays, mishandling by faculty, and emotional and academic harm—you may have a basis for a Title IX claim in federal court, and possibly claims under California’s civil rights laws too.
To move forward, here’s what’s important:
Keep all records—your complaint, the investigation report, emails, the restraining order, and especially your appeal and the university’s denial. These will be key to showing both the harm done and the school’s failure to act properly.
Make a written timeline of events, including when you reported what, how the school responded, and what impact all of this had on your academics, health, and safety.
Note any faculty misconduct—especially if the instructor ignored signs of harassment or failed to report the behavior. That could point to systemic negligence or breach of duty.
Since Title IX has strict deadlines (usually 180 days to file with the Department of Education, and up to 2 years for lawsuits in California), timing matters.
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I have a Title IX dispute.
I'm sorry to hear about your Title IX dispute. Can you provide more details about the nature of the dispute?
A white female student stalked and harassed me for half a year. The university placed a no-contact directive on her, and she violated it.
I received a temporary restraining order against her, and she violated it as well. After an arduous, year long investigation and process, the university found that she did engage in stalking, harassment, as well as racial and age discrimination. Her sanction includes a suspension of three years, a permanent non-contact order, and remedial training for her behavior.
I appealed this decision, citing the emotional and academic harm this has caused me, deserves a harsher sanction. My appeal was denied.
I believe that the instructor of the university whose class this happened during failed to (a) protect me from her and (b) failed to properly and adequately report her to the university. Further, the university dragged its feet during this process and did not have my best interests at heart. I would like to sue the university for damages.
Have you already taken any steps to address the issue, such as speaking with school officials or seeking legal advice?
I have spoken to the vice president of the university, and she apologized. This is my first attempt at seeking legal advice.
Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured, they'll be able to help with your Title IX dispute.
No
Welcome, and thank you for your questions. My name is Gurney, and I'm the attorney who will be assisting with your question.
I'm happy to draw on my years of experience as an attorney and former prosecutor to offer some guidance. It should only take 3-5 minutes for me to reply.
Where does this take place?
California
Thank you for sharing this. I’m really sorry you went through all of that—it’s not just unfair, it’s deeply harmful, and it sounds like the university failed you in multiple ways.
In California, you can sue a university under Title IX if the school was “deliberately indifferent” to known harassment or discrimination. From what you’ve described—long delays, mishandling by faculty, and emotional and academic harm—you may have a basis for a Title IX claim in federal court, and possibly claims under California’s civil rights laws too.
To move forward, here’s what’s important:
Keep all records—your complaint, the investigation report, emails, the restraining order, and especially your appeal and the university’s denial. These will be key to showing both the harm done and the school’s failure to act properly.
Make a written timeline of events, including when you reported what, how the school responded, and what impact all of this had on your academics, health, and safety.
Note any faculty misconduct—especially if the instructor ignored signs of harassment or failed to report the behavior. That could point to systemic negligence or breach of duty.
Since Title IX has strict deadlines (usually 180 days to file with the Department of Education, and up to 2 years for lawsuits in California), timing matters.
Would you like help drafting a demand letter to the university before pursuing a lawsuit? That can sometimes lead to resolution or compensation without going straight to court.
