Parents of Disabled College Runner Sue School After Her Suicide Over “Toxic” Coach

Here are five key takeaways from the story of Julia Pernsteiner:

1. It is crucial for schools to provide appropriate accommodations to students with special learning needs, as promised in their individual education plans or 504 plans.

2. Athletic coaches should not be permitted to subject student-athletes to bullying or abuse, as it can have serious negative effects on their mental and physical health.

3. It is essential to take allegations of discrimination and abuse seriously and investigate them promptly and thoroughly.

4. Students and families should be aware of their legal rights and options and seek guidance from qualified education lawyers if they experience any issues with their school.

5. Colleges and universities have a responsibility to prioritize the safety and well-being of all students, especially those with disabilities, and take proactive measures to address any concerns.

The tragic suicide of a college athlete with disabilities has sparked a lawsuit against her school, Jacksonville University (JU), in Florida. The parents of Julia Pernsteiner, a 23-year-old cross-country runner, allege that JU failed to support and protect their daughter, who had special learning needs, from a “toxic” athletic coach. The Pernsteiners’ lawsuit, filed on February 3, 2023, blames the school for providing inadequate academic accommodations and allowing coach Ronald E. Grigg, Jr. to berate and bully the young women on the team.

According to the lawsuit, Julia had ADHD, severe dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. She also had an IQ of 84, was “emotionally young for her chronological age,” and had “limited coping skills.” Prior to college, Julia was classified as a disabled student under federal law, and had an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to address deficits with processing, comprehension, and memory.

The Pernsteiners claim that, despite JU’s agreement to provide a scribe, reader, professors’ notes, or assistive technology, and to contact them with updates on Julia’s progress in her 504 plan, the school failed to do so. They also allege that Grigg was “oppressive, threatening, bullying, condescending and demeaning” to many of the young women on the team and created a “toxic atmosphere of humiliation and intimidation” by belittling, disparaging, and ridiculing runners who did not meet his standards. The Pernsteiners say that Grigg regularly “fat shamed” women runners and publicly demanded that they keep their body mass index under 10-percent, an unhealthy standard that prompted eating disorders in certain young, impressionable women on the team.

According to the complaint, teammates said Grigg took “special satisfaction in humiliating Julia” and referred to her as “retarded,” called her “the slowest f…ing runner on the team,” and told Julia, “[you are unable to] wipe your own a…”. The Pernsteiners allege that Julia struggled academically after being subjected to ridicule and abuse, and that Grigg threw Julia off the cross-country team in September 2021. Julia reached out via email to JU’s athletic director, but did not receive a response, the suit says. The Pernsteiners say that “Julia’s frustration spiraled into desperation and depression,” and two months later, Julia died by suicide in her dorm room.

The plaintiffs seek unspecified damages and have raised claims for wrongful death and intentional infliction of emotional distress tied to Griggs’ alleged misconduct. Separately, they also brought claims for gender-based discrimination under Title IX, disability-based discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and breach of contract for the school’s failure to live up to its promised 504 plan.

The tragic death of Julia Pernsteiner highlights the need for colleges and universities to provide appropriate accommodations and support for students with special learning needs. It also underscores the importance of taking allegations of bullying, discrimination, and abuse seriously, and investigating them promptly and thoroughly. While JU declined to comment on the pending litigation, the university’s students, faculty, and staff continue to mourn Julia’s tragic death, and the Pernsteiner family’s lawsuit serves as a reminder that schools must prioritize the safety and well-being of all students, especially those with disabilities.

If you or someone you know is experiencing issues with their school regarding accommodations or discrimination, it is essential to seek legal guidance. A qualified education lawyer can help you understand your rights and options, and work with you to find the best course of action.

EducationLawyers.com is a resource that provides legal support to students and families who need assistance with education-related issues. Their network of education lawyers specializes in matters such as special education, civil rights, and discrimination, among others.

Read the Court Filing Here