SHERMAN – A federal lawsuit accuses The University of North Texas of discriminating against a male student with mental disabilities.
Terry P. Gorman of the Law Offices of Donald G. Henslee in Austin filed the suit on behalf of the unidentified student.
The original petition explains that UNT is currently investigating the 22-year-old plaintiff for “looking too long at another UNT student who was walking in public areas of UNT.”
“The alleged violation is a direct manifestation of (the plaintiff’s) disabilities,” the suit asserts. “As a result, any disciplinary action by the defendant UNT against (the plaintiff) for the alleged violation is a per se violation of (the plaintiff’s) rights under Section 504.”
UNT is faulted for failing to inform campus investigators that the complainant is a Section 504 student and barring the participation of his medical providers.
According to court documents, the university’s actions threaten to add an additional year of cost and time to the student’s graduation plans.
The litigation intends to stop UNT from taking disciplinary action against the plaintiff, who seeks at least $100,000 in monetary damages and more than $1 million if he is prevented from enrolling in the upcoming spring semester.
Sherman Division of the Eastern District of Texas Case No. 4:18-CV-0017