Harvard University is facing a serious legal challenge after the family of Anthony N. Almazan, a former student, filed a wrongful death lawsuit. The lawsuit, submitted on June 18, accuses Harvard of improperly handling sexual harassment cases involving Almazan, leading to emotional distress that contributed to his tragic suicide in June 2021.
Background of the Case
Anthony N. Almazan was a promising student at Harvard Medical School and the Harvard School of Public Health. His parents, Adrian and Marietta Almazan, have taken legal action against Harvard, claiming that the university failed their son in a time of need. The lawsuit alleges that the way Harvard managed two separate sexual harassment cases involving Almazan caused him significant emotional distress.
Details of the Allegations
The lawsuit highlights two key incidents:
- The First Complaint: In November 2020, Almazan filed multiple complaints against an unnamed individual, who was also a student at Harvard.
- The Second Complaint: A month later, in December 2020, this same individual filed a complaint against Almazan.
The lawsuit claims that Harvard’s Office of Dispute Resolution (ODR) did not handle these cases fairly. Specifically, it accuses the ODR of failing to inform Almazan that a claim had been made against him for several weeks, even while he was providing information to an investigator. This delay, the lawsuit argues, contributed to Almazan’s emotional distress.
Alleged Breaches of Conduct
The lawsuit also accuses Harvard of not informing Almazan of his right to reconsideration or appeal—a crucial step that could have allowed him to challenge the decision made against him. Additionally, it is alleged that the university deliberately sought expert opinions that would support the claim against Almazan, rather than providing a fair and unbiased investigation.
Impact of the Alleged Negligence
The Almazan family is seeking compensation for the emotional distress that led to their son’s death. They are asking for an amount that is deemed “fair and just,” along with punitive damages, costs, interest, and funeral and burial expenses. The lawsuit accuses Harvard and the other defendants of “negligent infliction of emotional distress.”
Broader Implications for Harvard
This lawsuit comes shortly after another high-profile case in which a Harvard Counseling and Mental Health Service employee was cleared of negligence in the case of Luke Z. Tang, an undergraduate who died by suicide in 2015. David W. Heinlein, the attorney who represented Tang’s family, is also representing the Almazan family in this lawsuit.
Conclusion
As of now, Harvard Medical School has not commented on the lawsuit, and Harvard University spokesperson Jason A. Newton has also declined to comment. This case sheds light on the critical importance of how universities handle sexual harassment cases and the potential consequences of alleged mishandling.
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