WACO, Texas — A jury found Baylor University liable for violating Title IX and ordered the university to pay $270,000 in negligence claims after three days of testimony in a Waco Federal courtroom on Tuesday, Oct. 24.
The jury deliberated for nearly ten hours. It's all part of a Title IX lawsuit filed by former Baylor student, Dolores Lozano.
In the lawsuit, Lozano accused former Baylor running back Devin Chafin of domestic abuse. Lozano believes Baylor didn't do enough to stop it or investigate the alleged assault properly.
Previously, all negligence charges against former Baylor University football Head Coach Art Briles and former Baylor Athletic Director Ian McCaw in the alleged domestic violence case against Chafin were dismissed by a judge on Friday, Oct. 20.
In Friday's trial, both McCaw and Briles's lawyers explained how their clients were not responsible for what allegedly took place that Spring of 2014 involving Lozano and Chafin.
On Thursday, Briles and McCaw testified, which you can read here.
The judge ruled in their favor and switched focus on assigning the proper charges against Baylor.
Both the plaintiff and defense presented their closing arguments on Monday, Oct. 23 morning and deliberations began soon after.
After nearly ten hours of deliberation, the jury found the university did not take sufficient measures to prevent the series of assaults.
The jury awarded Lozano $270,000 on the negligence ruling, but nothing for the Title IX ruling.
Lozano told 6 News this was never about the money, it was about justice.
"This was not just about me or Baylor, it's for all of us, for women across all universities," Lozano said.
Her attorneys shared that the jury's decision is a win for all survivors of domestic violence.
"It was about the cause and accountable," Zeke Fortenberry said. "She had to suffer for it. I mean, it's her bravery, her tenacity, her willingness to stay with it for seven years, but for that, they never would have been held accountable... This is a wake-up call."
"This is the first Title IX case that we're aware of that has gone to verdict," Sheila Haddock added. "And so we are very pleased at the outcome of that. It's been a long seven years wrangling through Title IX and changes in the law."
Baylor University attorneys said that the jury's decision was disappointing for them.
"We respect the time and attention they paid to this matter, but we respectfully disagree with that decision," Julie Springer said. "The evidence was that the athletic staff, Baylor staff, they responded appropriately. We are pleased that despite the finding of a Title IX violation, the jury found that Ms. Lozano did not suffer any loss from educational opportunities at Baylor.