Stanford and Katie Meyer’s Family Settle Wrongful Death Lawsuit
The wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Stanford athlete Katie Meyer against Stanford University has reached a resolution. The announcement was made on January 26, with a joint statement released by both the university and the Meyer family. Meyer, known for her pivotal role in leading the Stanford women’s soccer team to a national championship in 2019, tragically died by suicide on March 1, 2022, at the age of 22.
Background of the Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Meyer’s family initiated the lawsuit in November 2022, claiming that Stanford was accountable for their daughter’s death. The basis of their claim centered on a disciplinary issue related to an incident where Meyer allegedly spilled coffee on a football player during a bike ride in August 2021. The football player had previously faced allegations of sexual assault against a fellow soccer player.
The lawsuit was set to go to trial later this year but has been resolved amicably. According to Stanford’s statement, the university will work with the Meyer family to develop initiatives focused on mental health and well-being for student-athletes at the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute.
Initiatives Following Resolution
- Katie Meyer Leadership Award: An annual award will be established to honor outstanding student-athletes at Stanford.
- Adoption of Katie Meyer’s Law: Stanford will implement the principles of this California law to support students involved in disciplinary proceedings.
- Retirement of Jersey Number: Meyer’s jersey number, #19, will be retired as a tribute to her legacy in Stanford women’s soccer.
Stanford emphasized its commitment to honoring Katie’s memory and supporting current and future students through these measures. The university highlighted that “while Katie’s passing remains devastating and tragic, her memory and influence will persist.”
The Disciplinary Circumstances
The lawsuit brought to light the stressful circumstances Meyer faced at the time of her death, particularly due to the ongoing disciplinary actions. Her parents argued that the university failed to provide adequate support and did not inform them of the situation. They claimed this led to emotional and academic distress for their daughter.
Legislative Impact: Katie Meyer’s Law
In response to Meyer’s tragic death, California State Assembly Bill 1575 was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in September 2024. This legislation mandates that public colleges and universities allow students to have an adviser during disciplinary proceedings, aimed at ensuring fair treatment during such processes.
The implementation of these measures reflects both the university’s acknowledgment of past shortcomings and a proactive approach to enhance student support mechanisms moving forward. Katie Meyer’s family continues to advocate for initiatives like “Katie’s Save,” aiming for reforms that will improve student mental health across the nation.
As Stanford and the Meyer family collaborate on these new initiatives, it is hoped that these changes will provide meaningful support to the student community while preserving Katie’s enduring legacy.
