A lawsuit filed in Dallas County represents 48 students who allege Dallas Baptist University knowingly housed students in mold-contaminated residence halls, according to WFAA-TV.
The lawsuit includes allegations against DBU for using unlicensed personnel to assess and remove the mold.
Specific claims
The lawsuit, filed July 1, claims students living on campus have reported moisture intrusion, poor indoor air quality, and failures to properly report issues and remove mold that exceeds standards set by Texas law.
The lawsuit seeks more than $1 million in damages on claims of negligence, liability, and violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
The lawsuit said an independent assessment of the mold was conducted in May and June by state-licensed consultants, who determined mold levels were high in eight units across four buildings, including Spence Hall, the Crowley Complex, the Brownstones and Colonial Village Apartments.
Health issues were reported, ranging from respiratory illnesses, chronic coughing, nosebleeds, headaches, fatigue, cognitive impairment and other neurological symptoms.
DBU’s response
DBU responded to WFAA’s request for comment: “DBU does not comment on matters that are the subject of pending litigation,” the university said. “That said, the health and safety of our students is our top priority at DBU, and we take these concerns seriously.”
DBU rejected the plaintiffs’ claim that unlicensed personnel were used for mold assessment and remediation.
According to the DBU upperclassmen housing webpage, DBU personnel assess reports of mold or mildew to determine the appropriate response.
The university webpage states: “If the situation requires further attention, DBU personnel and/or an outside contractor will work to determine the cause of excess moisture and resolve the issue. The affected area will be thoroughly cleaned and dried.“
If additional remediation is needed, DBU personnel or an outside contractor determine the source of excess moisture, resolve the issue, and clean and dry the affected area.
Seventy-six percent of DBU students live on campus, according to the plaintiffs’ attorneys. Students are scheduled to start classes Aug. 24.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Kendall Lyons and originally published by Baptist Standard.
