Tanyi v. Appalachian State University: Landmark Court Decision Highlights Due Process Rights for College Students

A federal judge's recent decision in Tanyi v. Appalachian State University has sent shockwaves through the higher education community, emphasizing the importance of due process rights for college students facing accusations of sexual misconduct. The case revolves around former Appalachian State University football player Lanston Tanyi, who was accused of rape by two female students, Student A and Student B. After being cleared of the charges, Tanyi sued the university and several administrators, alleging they deprived him of his due process rights and discriminated against him on the basis of his race and gender.

Key Takeaways:

• The court's decision holds that public university students have constitutionally protected due process rights, including the right to a separate hearing from their roommate and the right to adequate notice of new charges.
• The court dismissed Tanyi's Title IX sex discrimination claim, stating that the current interpretation of Title IX does not permit plaintiffs to establish discrimination by showing policies have a disparate impact on certain groups.
• The court rejected the university's justification for re-opening Student B's case, holding that the university failed to articulate a legitimate reason for the re-hearing.
• The court also allowed Tanyi to proceed with a substantive due process claim stemming from the university's decision to re-open Student B's case, which Tanyi claims was motivated by bad press.
• The court held that three Appalachian State University administrators, who were individually named in the lawsuit, may face personal liability for depriving Tanyi of his due process rights.
• This decision is significant as it puts public university administrators on notice that they may face personal liability for depriving students of their due process rights.

Statistics:

• 457 U.S. 800: The Supreme Court case cited by the court regarding qualified immunity.
• July 22: The date when the court ruled on the university's motion to dismiss.
• September 2011: The month when the alleged group sexual encounter between Tanyi and two female students took place.
• October 18, 2011: The date of Tanyi's first hearing regarding the allegations made by Student A.
• 2011: The year when the Office for Civil Rights issued the "Dear Colleague" letter.
• 8 semesters: The length of Tanyi's suspension after being found responsible for the sexual misconduct charges.

Sources:

• A federal judge's decision in Tanyi v. Appalachian State University.
• Reuters article by Alison Frankel, "Courts Offer Little Relief to Students Accused of Misconduct."
• Harlow v. Fitzgerald, 457 U.S. 800 (1982).
• The Supreme Court case cited by the court regarding qualified immunity.
• The "Dear Colleague" letter issued by the Office for Civil Rights in 2011.