Suicide lawsuit against China-born scientist Jane Wu’s US university to proceed
A judge has permitted the continuation of a lawsuit against Northwestern University related to the suicide of neuroscientist Jane Wu, with allegations of discrimination and wrongful confinement.
The lawsuit against Northwestern University concerning the suicide of neuroscientist Jane Wu will proceed in court, following a ruling by Cook County Judge Jonathan Green. Wu's relatives claim that the university's investigations led to her sidelining, which included the closure of her laboratory and reallocation of her research grants. They assert that these actions contributed to her mental distress and eventual death.
Key allegations in the case include claims of discrimination based on national origin and wrongful confinement. The relatives argue that Wu was forcibly removed from her office in handcuffs shortly before her death and was subsequently held in a psychiatric unit. Judge Green's ruling confirmed that these claims have sufficient merit to warrant further legal examination, highlighting the seriousness of the issues raised.
Additionally, the court will explore allegations of severe emotional distress and the university's handling of Wu's psychiatric care, examining whether the conduct of university-affiliated doctors met professional standards, especially during her admission and treatment. The implications of this case could extend beyond Wu's tragic story, potentially impacting how universities handle mental health issues and investigations involving their faculty.