University of South Carolina Settles Sexual Harassment Lawsuit, Promises Policy Reforms

COLUMBIA: University of South Carolina Settles Sexual Harassment Case

The University of South Carolina (USC) has recently put an end to a troubling chapter in its history by settling a sexual harassment lawsuit brought forth by former student Mary Elizabeth Johns. The settlement involves not only a payout of $150,000 but also promises significant changes to the university’s sexual misconduct policies aimed at protecting students in the future.

An Alarming Situation Unfolds

Johns lodged her lawsuit against USC alleging that professor David Snyder had not just harassed her but had engaged in a pattern of grooming and abuse during her time as an undergraduate student from 2018 to 2020. She expressed feeling that the university turned a blind eye to Snyder’s conduct, stating that little was done to mitigate known issues of harassment.

During the court proceedings, Johns highlighted a particularly troubling experience where she approached a university counselor about Snyder’s actions. Instead of receiving support and guidance, she claims the counselor failed to inform her of her civil rights or the options available to her. This apparent negligence from university staff reinforces the need for systemic changes that prioritize student safety.

Reinforcement of Policies and Accountability

The agreement, finalized on August 1, 2024, just before the case was set to go to trial, requires USC to implement comprehensive policies that target abuse of power and sexual misconduct among faculty and staff. In a press statement released on December 11, Johns detailed these changes, which include:

• Enhanced disciplinary measures for offending professors
• Increased training for faculty and staff
• Clearer reporting procedures for students
• Stronger safeguards to ensure accountability

Title IX, a federal civil rights law, obligates educational institutions receiving federal funding to protect their students from sexual harassment. USC has committed to aligning its practices more closely with Title IX requirements in light of this case.

USC Responds

When asked to comment on the settlement terms, USC spokesman Jeff Stensland did not provide additional details but confirmed that Snyder’s employment at the university ended in 2021. It remains unclear whether he resigned before or after the lawsuit surfaced in March of that year. Stensland did mention that since 2021, USC made administrative changes aimed at ensuring that Title IX complaints are handled consistently and promptly, with the goal of achieving fair outcomes for all parties involved.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time the university has faced scrutiny over sexual harassment claims. The settlement with Johns marks the third known sexual harassment case the school has resolved in just under a year. Two previous lawsuits involved another former professor, David Voros, highlighting a pressing need for the university to reassess its handling of such allegations.

A Message of Hope and Healing

Johns, now 37, stated that her primary goal in pursuing the lawsuit was to hold the university accountable for its failures and to ensure survivors of abuse receive meaningful compensation. She poignantly remarked, “Surviving abuse can feel like a terrible secret. Telling someone feels like it will be the scariest thing in the world. Please know that you are not alone. You deserve safety, community, and respect.”

The community hopes that with these new policies in place, students will feel empowered to speak out against harassment and that the university will serve as a model of accountability and support.