Legal Analysis By Attorneys
Breaking Legal News
The Washington Post reported that the Justice Department has accused the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) of failing to protect students from sexual abuse and harassment by a longtime coach. The investigation found that the university was aware of numerous allegations against Chad Cradock, the former head coach of the school's Division I swimming and diving team, but did little to address the issue.
According to the Justice Department's findings, Cradock subjected male student-athletes to unwanted sexual touching, harassment, and assault between 2015 and 2020. The report details a "hypersexualized environment" on the swim team, with the coach making inappropriate comments and physical contact with players while they wore only their swimsuits.
The investigation also found that female students on the team faced a hostile environment, including dating violence and sexual harassment from male teammates, that Cradock required them to report to him for "mediation" rather than to the proper university officials.
Despite these allegations, the Justice Department said UMBC officials failed to take appropriate action. In one instance in 2015, a student reported seeing an employee removing a camera from a locker with a direct view of the showers, but the university did not properly investigate the matter.
"The findings are deeply troubling," UMBC President Valerie Sheares Ashby wrote in a letter to the campus community. "We take full responsibility for what happened, and we commit ourselves not only to addressing the failures but also to rebuilding our community's trust."
The university has vowed to address the failures and rebuild trust with the campus community, but the road ahead will be a long and difficult one as UMBC grapples with the fallout from this scandal.
Following the disturbing revelations at UMBC, where students were subjected to years of abuse by a coach, understanding the legal options available to victims of abuse is crucial. In this interview, we sit down with Aaron Blank, Esq., an experienced Maryland sex abuse lawyer, to discuss the steps victims of coach abuse can take in a civil case against the negligent college.
Editor Darla Medina (DM): We're joined now by Aaron Blank, Esq., a local Maryland sex abuse lawyer, to discuss what options students abused by a coach may have in a civil case against a negligent college. Thank you for being here, Mr. Blank.
Aaron Blank, Esq. (AB): Thank you for having me, Darla. This is a deeply troubling situation at UMBC, and unfortunately, it's not an isolated incident. Colleges and universities have a duty to protect their students, and when they fail to do so, they can be held accountable through civil litigation.
DM: Can you explain what legal options students may have in a case like this?
AB: Absolutely. Students who have been sexually abused or harassed by a coach can potentially bring a civil lawsuit against the university for negligence. This could include claims of negligent hiring, supervision, or retention of the coach, as well as failure to investigate and respond to reports of misconduct properly.
DM: And what kind of damages could these students seek?
AB: The damages can be significant. Students may be able to recover compensation for the physical and emotional harm they've suffered, as well as any costs associated with counseling, medical treatment, or other support services. Additionally, punitive damages may be available in cases where the university's actions were particularly egregious or reckless.
DM: What advice would you give to students who are considering taking legal action?
AB: My advice would be to act quickly and seek the guidance of an experienced sexual abuse attorney. The statute of limitations for these types of claims can be quite short, so it's important to explore your options as soon as possible. Additionally, it's crucial to work with a lawyer who has a deep understanding of the complex legal issues involved in these cases and can advocate effectively on your behalf.
DM: Thank you, Mr. Blank, for providing this valuable information.
AB: Thank you, Darla. I appreciate the opportunity to shed light on this important issue.
If you or a loved one have been a victim of coach abuse or any form of sexual misconduct, we are here to support you. Our team, led by Maryland sex abuse lawyer Aaron Blank, Esq., is dedicated to fighting for justice and seeking compensation on behalf of survivors. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case, understand your legal options, and take the first step towards reclaiming your rights and finding closure. You don't have to face this journey alone – reach out to us and let us help you navigate the path to justice.
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