Yale University has reached a settlement regarding a lawsuit filed in November, which accused the university of discrimination against students with mental health issues. As part of the settlement, Yale has agreed to make changes to its policies.
The lawsuit, brought by Yale students and the nonprofit organization Elis for Rachael, alleged that the university’s policies discriminated against students facing mental health challenges and compelled them to take a medical leave.
In response to the settlement, Yale officials have implemented several key policy changes. The college no longer enforces a minimum time for students to stay on medical leave due to mental health issues. Additionally, it has simplified the process for reinstating students who had previously dropped out back into Yale programs.
The Ivy League institution will also enhance its mental health programs by providing comprehensive training for faculty members and raising awareness about available resources for students.
In terms of police involvement, the settlement restricts their presence when students withdraw. Previously, students were required to have a police escort when retrieving their belongings after withdrawal. Under the new agreement, officers will only be present in situations where there is a risk to students’ safety.
The lawsuit, filed by a group of students in November, alleged that Yale officials pressured students to take voluntary medical leave when they faced mental health struggles. Those who refused to take medical leave risked being forced to withdraw. After withdrawal, students were not allowed near the campus without Yale’s approval, according to the previous policy.
Yale’s previous mental health policies have faced criticism from both students and faculty. Elis for Rachael, the organization involved in the lawsuit, takes its name from Rachael Shaw-Rosenbaum, a first-year Yale student who tragically took her own life in March 2021 after expressing concerns about having to withdraw from the university.
The settlement clarifies that it does not constitute an admission of guilt by either Yale or the plaintiffs regarding any legal claims or issues.
