Giving Compass' Take:

• Exponent Philanthropy uses the example of Victoria Hewlett's successful case against Utah State to demonstrate the meaningful policy changes that impact litigation can make. 

• Is this approach applicable to issues you are working to address? 

• Learn about using impact litigation to dismantle barriers in the U.S. asylum system. 

After Victoria Hewlett was raped at a fraternity party while attending Utah State University, she knew that healing would, at least in part, come through working for changes at the University that would help protect other students from abuse and assault on campus. Like many survivors of campus sexual assault, Hewlett sought to hold Utah State accountable in court. But she insisted that accountability in her case include systemic changes to the way the University would prevent, respond to, and address issues related to assaults.

The results of her efforts underscore the sweeping and meaningful policy changes that can be made through impact litigation, which seeks to go beyond individual financial remediation and works to institute lasting solutions that benefit entire communities and movements.

In settling Hewlett’s case, Utah State agreed to revise policies, changes processes, and train staff so students are better protected and understand their rights, and employees are better prepared to deal with issues of sexual violence. The University also announced a series of sweeping changes to the Greek system at the school which are meant to provide greater oversight, accountability, and education for students who are members of Greek organizations.

Hewlett’s partnership with USU to devise and implement reforms on campus is just one example of how impact litigation groups like Public Justice partner with legal clients to turn often traumatic experiences into opportunities for positive change. Unlike private, for-profit law firms, impact litigation groups have the flexibility and experience to work with clients on innovative ways to maximize the impact of their legal cases.

Read the full article about the changes that can be made through impact litigation at Exponent Philanthropy.