Harvard Students Take Legal Action Over Mental Health Policies: What You Need to Know

Students 4 Mental Health Justice, a group with Harvard undergraduates, has filed a lawsuit against Harvard University. They claim the school discriminates against students with mental health disabilities. This goes against the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The lawsuit states that Harvard reacts to mental health issues with blame and harsh measures. It argues that the university’s policies create unfair barriers for students wanting to return to school after a mental health leave.

Currently, students who go on a medical leave must ask the Harvard College Administrative Board for permission to re-enroll. They need to show that they’ve resolved the issues that caused their leave. However, the lawsuit points out that returning students face even tougher requirements.

For instance, students might have to share their medical records with Harvard University Health Services, especially if there are serious concerns about their well-being. This requirement is described in the lawsuit as coercive and discriminatory.

Madeleine J. Reichman, an attorney from Disability Rights Advocates and representing the group, said they want to end the automatic bans and burdensome requirements for students returning to campus.

The lawsuit highlights the experiences of five anonymous students who claim Harvard’s policies have harmed them. One student, who was hospitalized for mental health issues, was barred from campus when she tried to return, forcing her to take a semester off. This lack of access made her choose between academic withdrawal and a long leave.

Another student mentioned how the fear of being placed on a leave deterred her from seeking help on campus for suicidal thoughts. Such stories illustrate the potential impact of Harvard’s policies on student mental health.

While five students are highlighted, Students 4 Mental Health Justice has around 30 members, all of whom are Harvard undergraduates. Eunice S. Chon, a co-founder, says the lawsuit felt necessary. She has witnessed the struggles of students who faced involuntary hospitalization and believes action was needed.

These issues are part of a larger conversation about mental health support at universities. Many schools are reassessing how they manage mental health crises, especially as more students openly discuss their struggles. As mental health awareness grows, so too does the call for more compassionate and effective policies in academic settings.

For further reading, you can explore the findings in the National Alliance on Mental Illness and research from the American Psychological Association, which highlight the increasing prevalence of mental health issues among college students.

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