A male law student has initiated legal proceedings against the Charleston School of Law and the law firm Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz, P.C., alleging Title IX retaliation and gender discrimination. The lawsuit, filed on October 22, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, names William Barnes as the plaintiff and includes individual defendants Jennifer Curry and Margaret Lawton, along with unnamed parties referred to as John Does 1-5. The case is presided over by Judge David C. Norton and is identified under case number 2:2025cv13080. ([dockets.justia.com](https://dockets.justia.com/docket/south-carolina/scdce/2%3A2025cv13080/315674?utm_source=openai))
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs and activities. While traditionally associated with protecting female students, there has been a notable increase in male students invoking Title IX in claims of gender bias and due process violations during disciplinary proceedings. This trend underscores the evolving interpretation and application of Title IX in educational institutions. ([heritage.org](https://www.heritage.org/education/report/campus-judiciaries-trial-update-the-courts?utm_source=openai))
In the current case, Barnes contends that the Charleston School of Law, in collaboration with Baker Donelson, engaged in discriminatory practices against him based on his gender. The specifics of the allegations have not been fully disclosed, but the case highlights the complex role that external legal counsel can play in internal investigations and disciplinary actions within academic institutions.
Similar cases have emerged in recent years. For instance, in 2020, Ben Feibleman filed a lawsuit against Columbia University, alleging that the institution’s handling of a sexual assault accusation against him was biased due to his gender. The case was settled, and Feibleman’s diploma was reinstated. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Feibleman_v._Columbia_University?utm_source=openai))
Legal experts note that the involvement of external law firms in Title IX investigations can introduce additional layers of complexity. The impartiality and objectivity of these firms are crucial, as their actions can significantly influence the outcomes of such cases. The Barnes lawsuit may prompt educational institutions to reassess their reliance on external counsel and the procedures they follow in Title IX investigations.
As the case progresses, it is expected to contribute to the ongoing discourse on the scope and enforcement of Title IX, particularly concerning the rights of male students and the responsibilities of educational institutions and their legal advisors. The outcome could have implications for how schools nationwide handle allegations of sexual misconduct and the measures they implement to ensure compliance with federal regulations.