Were You Sexually Abused by a School or University Healthcare Provider at USC?

TLO Law, P.C. filed a civil lawsuit on behalf of two plaintiffs in Los Angeles Superior Court against the University of Southern California (USC) and Dennis A. Kelly, M.D., a former physician at USC’s Student Health Center. (John Doe, et al. vs. University of Southern California, et al., Case Nos. 19STCV39074 and 21STCV21703). The John Doe plaintiffs were among 80 former USC students who alleged they were sexually abused and mistreated by a former campus doctor over the course of two decades, with misconduct alleged as early as 1990 and continuing through 2018.

The lawsuit alleged that Dr. Kelly used his position as USC’s only men’s health doctor to sexually assault, harass, and discriminate against male students during appointments for routine sexual health care, including STI/STD testing and other medical visits. Survivors described being subjected to invasive and inappropriate questioning, examinations that that appeared medically unnecessary or unrelated to the reason for the visit, and conduct presented as “normal” or “required” as part of treatment. The complaint also described specific examination practices that survivors found humiliating, uncomfortable, and inconsistent with legitimate medical care, including unnecessary rectal exams.

The former students also alleged that Dr. Kelly discriminated against them based on their sexual orientation and gender identity. Of the 80 former students who filed complaints, all were men at the time, with one now identifying as female and with 76 identifying as gay or bisexual.

The complaint further alleged that USC received complaints and warning signs about Dr. Kelly’s misconduct for years, including reports raised by USC staff. USC nevertheless chose not to intervene and allowed Dr. Kelly continued access to students. Dr. Kelly eventually lost his license to practice medicine in 2020.

The lawsuit also alleged that USC promoted its Student Health Center as a safe and reliable place for students to obtain care. For many students, the Student Health Center was their primary or only accessible health care option. USC failed to enforce safeguards that would have protected students, including failures in oversight and reporting and claims that USC prioritized its reputation and financial interests over student safety.

Ultimately, USC and the former students reached a confidential global settlement resolving the cases involving Dr. Kelly.

USC also faced separate lawsuits involving alleged sexual misconduct by university medical providers. In 2021, USC agreed to pay more than $1 billion in settlements to hundreds of women who accused former USC gynecologist, George Tyndall, of repeated sexual assaults on female patients. The women say Tyndall – who worked at the clinic for decades and was the only full-time gynecologist – made lewd comments, photographed patients, and groped them during medical examinations.

TLO Law, P.C. represents survivors of sexual abuse and sexual assault involving colleges, universities, and school-related programs, including misconduct by campus doctors and medical providers, health center staff, and other university employees. This includes claims involving student health centers, athletic departments, university clinics, and other school-sponsored programs. If you or someone you know experienced inappropriate conduct while you were seeking medical care on campus or as a student, we invite you to contact our office for a free confidential consultation to learn more about your legal options.

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TLO USC Doctor Sexual Assault Cases in News & Media:

NPR’s coverage of USC’s settlement with 80 former students who say a campus doctor sexually abused them over nearly two decades underscores how serious and far‑reaching this misconduct was. By highlighting this reporting alongside the cases TLO Law, P.C. has brought against USC, the media section shows how survivor stories and civil litigation work together to expose institutional failures and drive change. It also reinforces TLO’s role in standing with students who were harmed by campus doctors and helping them pursue accountability through the civil justice system.

• USC SETTLES SUITS WITH 80 FORMER STUDENTS WHO SAY A SCHOOL DOCTOR SEXUALLY ABUSED THEM - NPR

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