The University of Minnesota won complete dismissal of a lawsuit filed by numerous former football players who were sanctioned by the university after a sexual assault investigation. Our firm represented the university in the matter.
No criminal charges were ever filed, but many of the students were sanctioned for violating the school’s code of conduct. Some players were expelled; whereas, some were placed on suspension. Other athletes in question were later found not responsible.
In response, players filed numerous claims against the university, its president and a senior administrator, including: gender discrimination and retaliation, racial discrimination, defamation and more. However, a U.S. District Court judge ruled the players’ claims lacked factual support and as a result, all claims against the university were dismissed at the outset under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(6).
The players have appealed the decision to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals; a decision from the appeals court is not expected until 2021.
