Columbus, GA — [August 13, 2024] — Rebecca Lara, the grieving mother of Gisele Lara, a student who was tragically murdered August 18, 2023, on the campus of Columbus State University (“CSU”), has retained the law firm of Parker & McConkie to pursue legal action against CSU, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, and the State of Georgia.
Days prior to the anniversary of her daughter’s death, Rebecca Lara has served an Ante Litem Notice, signaling her intent to file a $25,000,000 wrongful death lawsuit against CSU and related governmental entities.
This notice is a formal step required before initiating a lawsuit, and it underscores the gravity of the situation and the allegations against the involved parties. Gisele Lara was a 21-year-old senior Biology student who was preparing to graduate in May 2024. Her future was promising. She was a Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Scholar and had published research as a minority scholar with the National Science Foundation.
Gisele was killed under traumatic circumstances that have left her family, friends and the community in deep mourning. Gisele had been the victim of sexual assault, harassment and stalking on campus, but when she reached out to the university for help, CSU failed her.
Rather than properly following its own safety policies and the federal requirements of the Clery Act and Title IX to provide needed protection and safety resources, CSU notified Gisele’s murderer of the report, which led to his retaliation against Gisele.
Brian C. Stewart, an attorney representing Ms. Lara, stated “While the full evidence has not yet been made public, when it is released, it will clearly show that if CSU employees had been properly trained and followed the law, Gisele would still be alive today. Failure to follow the law can have deadly consequences, as it did in this case.” He pointed out that “For years, the CSU and other University System of Georgia institutions have suffered from lack of leadership and dangerous mismanagement leading to chronic problems in its response to and protection of victims of sexual harassment and threats of violence on its campuses. This is a systemic failure plain and simple.”
The purpose of the lawsuit is to demand accountability and change with respect to campus safety, administrative oversight, and the responsibilities of educational institutions in protecting their students, with the goal of saving lives in the future.
Rebecca Lara, Gisele’s mother, stated: “CSU failed Gisele. My beautiful daughter deserved safety measures and protection. I am utterly heartbroken, but I am committed to seeking justice for Gisele and ensuring that such tragedies do not befall other families. Gisele’s story will shine a spotlight on the need for enhanced safety measures and accountability within educational institutions.”
DRAFT Notice of Claim LARA 8-13-BCS 5 FINAL 1.1 copy2
Lisa Anderson, Executive Director of Atlanta Women for Equality, who also represents Ms. Lara, lauded her commitment to honoring Gisele’s legacy by seeking justice and change, stating, “I am deeply grateful for Rebecca’s extraordinary bravery and strength.”
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