Lawsuit filed against Sewanee: The University Of The South over mold in dorms

SEWANEE, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The University of the South is facing a lawsuit seeking more than $35 million over toxic mold found in student dorms.

Current and former students claim toxic black mold in their dorm made them sick and disrupted their education.

The lawsuit was filed Tuesday, September 23, 2025 in Franklin County Circuit Court.

It accuses the university of ignoring health complaints from students living in Johnson Hall, a freshman dorm.

The students say they experienced symptoms including nosebleeds, asthma, headaches, fatigue, vomiting, anxiety, and emotional trauma.

Some became too sick to attend class, and others missed practices or could only attend one class before collapsing in bed.

Independent tests later showed mold levels in some rooms were 2,200 times higher than outside levels.

The mold was identified as Penicillium/Aspergillus.

Students and parents had complained for months, but the university allegedly blamed students for the conditions.

School officials said the students left windows open in the rain or failed to clean properly, the lawsuit claims.

The university is accused of negligence, emotional distress, breach of contract, and violating the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act.

The suit also claims school officials knew Johnson Hall had a mold problem for years but did nothing.

“Sewanee administrators long knew or should have known that these dorm rooms were unsafe for human habitation.  Reports of pervasive toxic mold on campus are not a recent concern but have been consistent part of student life. These students and their families have suffered tremendously — and their health, educational progress and financial situations all have been harmed.”

– Attorney Kristina S. Baehr