Legal Protection for Student Organizations
Legal Protection for Student Organizations
It is the University's policy to provide protection from liability to registered student organizations and their members if they are sued or if a claim is asserted against them. This means that GW will retain counsel to represent the organization or student member, and pay any damage amounts that may be required whether a settlement agreement is reached or a judgement is entered against the University.
In order to be eligible for protection, however, the University must determine that the organization or student member is properly registered with the University, is in good standing, and was acting in accordance with University policies at the time the lawsuit or claim arose. Among the factors the University will look at when making such a determination are whether the organization and its members were acting in good faith and without willful negligence or misconduct, and whether the event that gave rise to the claim was undertaken with the permission and approval of the University.
In addition, it is very important that the organization or the member immediately notify the University if he/she knows or has reason to believe that a claim or lawsuit may be brought against the organization or him/herself. If GW determines that representation for a student organization is appropriate, the University will control all aspects of the defense of the claim. The student organiaztion or member must agree to cooperate in the presentation of the defense. Questions about this policy should be directed to the Office of the Vice President and General Counsel at 202-994-6503.
