American University Must Face Suit Over Mental-Health Seizure

An American University student with a history of mental illness is entitled to discovery in her suit claiming she was discriminated against and her rights were violated when the school ordered her seized for a mental-health evaluation, a federal court in Washington said.

Gianna Wheeler had a history of mental-health episodes on campus when the university received complaints about her acting erratically and in a threatening manner. Administrators made the decision to place Wheeler on interim suspension, conduct a welfare check on her, and have her seized for an evaluation.

Campus officers went to Wheeler’s off-campus apartment with local police ...