On September 28th, 2024, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1575 (AB 1575)—Katie Meyer’s Law—into law. AB 1575 mandates that secondary educational institutions provide students who are facing disciplinary action with access to a trained advisor who can give them confidential guidance and support. The law is designed to address systemic failures that contributed to the tragic suicide of Stanford soccer player Katie Meter in 2022. At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, we are a law firm that fights for justice for grieving families. Here, our Stockton wrongful death lawyer provides a more comprehensive overview of the new state law in California.
Katie Meyer Committed Suicide After Receiving Disciplinary Notice from School
Tragically, Katie Meyer—the 22-year-old captain and goalkeeper for Stanford University’s women’s soccer team—died by suicide on February 28th, 2022. According to reports from NBC News, she took her own life after a disciplinary notice from the university. The notice concerned her involvement in defending a teammate in an incident months prior. Ms. Meyer’s parents believe the stress and fear of potential disciplinary action contributed to her tragic decision. Stanford University faced sharp criticism for its handling of the situation. Very serious questions have been raised by mental health support for college students undergoing disciplinary processes.
An Overview of California AB 1575 (Katie Meyer’s Law)
Assembly Bill 1575 (AB 1575) was introduced into the state legislature by Assembly member Jacqui Irwin (Democrat, 42nd District). The state law, which was recently signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom, is aimed at reforming the disciplinary processes in colleges and universities to better support student mental health and ensure fairness. The law is inspired by and named after former Stanford soccer captain Katie Meyer. Here are key points:
- Enhanced Transparency in Disciplinary Proceedings. AB 1575 is designed to improve the transparency of disciplinary proceedings on college campuses in California. These are stressful matters for students. The new law requires clear communication of the allegations. Institutions are now required to provide students with detailed written notifications of any allegations or charges against them. Among other things, this includes a description of the alleged misconduct and the (actual) potential consequences. Further, to ensure fairness and due process, students must be granted access to all information and evidence that will be used in the disciplinary process. They have the right to prepare a defense.
- Better Access to Mental Health Support Services: AB 1575 also requires colleges and universities to provide mandatory mental health resources to affected students. Indeed, institutions must offer mental health support to students involved in disciplinary actions. The provisions are designed to help ensure students have access to counseling and other resources during what can be an extremely stressful time. Further, the legislation emphasizes the importance of considering a student’s mental health when determining disciplinary action. Mental health of the student is an important factor in justice for all.
- A Fair Process in a Timely Manner: AB 1575 recognizes that unreasonable delays in disciplinary action can, by definition, cause serious distress for students. With this in mind, Students are entitled to timely notifications regarding disciplinary investigations and hearings, reducing anxiety associated with prolonged uncertainty. Further, students have a right to representation. Indeed, Katie Meyer’s Law affirms a student’s right to have an advisor or legal representative present during disciplinary meetings or hearings. All students must be given a fair chance to respond to allegations, present their own evidence.
- State Oversight: Finally, AB 1575 includes mechanisms that are meant to help ensure that colleges and universities actually meet their requirements under the law. There are reporting standards. Educational institutions are required to document and report their disciplinary processes and outcomes. Further, Katie Meyer’s Law oversight by state education authorities to ensure compliance with all applicable legal requirements.
Parents Filed a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Stanford University
As reported by USA Today, the parents of Katie Meyer filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Stanford University. The civil wrongful death claim was brought against the University in November of 2022. Steven Meyer and Gina Meyer contend that the university’s actions—the poor handling of the disciplinary situation—contributed to their daughter’s death. The wrongful death lawsuit claims she was distressed over a disciplinary letter she received from the university. That letter reportedly contained very strong, harsh language that threatened her status just months before graduation.
Notably, the disciplinary action was related to an incident where Meyer allegedly spilled coffee on a football player who was accused of sexually assaulting one of her teammates. Her parents argue that Stanford’s handling of the situation was negligent. Her parents argue that Stanford University failed to provide adequate support during the disciplinary process. For its part, the university has denied the allegations—countering that it followed appropriate procedures and offered proper resources.
Why Trust Our Stockton Wrongful Death Lawyers
For parents, the loss of a child is the most heartbreaking experience imaginable. While a civil wrongful death claim will never truly be enough to set things right, it is an avenue to get justice, compensation, and some degree of closure. Your family needs to hold the responsible parties to account and recover the financial support needed to put the pieces back together. At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, we handle all types of wrongful death claims—including representing parents who have lost a child to negligence. With a proven record of case results, our California wrongful death lawyers provide personalized, proactive representation to grieving families.
Contact Our Stockton, CA Wrongful Death Attorney Today
At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, our Stockton wrongful death lawyers are compassionate, experienced advocates for grieving families. The loss of a loved one is a terrible tragedy. Your family needs justice, accountability, and financial support. Contact us today for a free, fully confidential initial consultation. With an office in Stockton, we fight for the rights of grieving families throughout Central California, including in Manteca, Sacramento, Galt, Sutter Creek, and Lodi.