A university sentenced to pay more than £50,000 in damages after the suicide of one of its students is seeking permission to appeal the verdict.
Natasha Abrahart, from Nottinghamshire, was studying at the University of Bristol when she died in April 2018.
After a civil lawsuit, a judge ruled that the university had discriminated against her because of her social anxiety disorder.
The university said the move would allow them to appeal in the future, but added that the decision has not yet been made.
Miss Abrahart, 20, from West Bridgford, was in her second year when she was told to take part in a group presentation in a 329-seat auditorium.
An inquest into Miss Abrahart’s death in May 2019 found that she had been neglected by mental health services, but the coroner ruled that the adequacy of the support provided by the university was outside the scope of the inquiry.
Following a civil lawsuit filed by Miss Abrahart’s parents, Judge Alex Ralton found that the university had failed in its duty to adequately assess Miss Abrahart and had treated her unfavorably because of the consequences of her disability.
He noted that these violations led to the physics student’s death, noting that “it was accepted by the medical experts that the main stressor and cause of Natasha’s depressive illness was the oral assessment.”
Miss Abrahart’s father Robert said: “It has been a month since we asked the university to sit down with us so we can help them make the necessary changes to keep students safe.
“We are deeply disappointed that the university is instead trying to reiterate arguments that have failed in court.”
A University of Bristol spokesman said: “Given the significant impact last month’s ruling in the death of Natasha Abrahart could have on how all higher education providers support their students, we continue to carefully review the decision, including whether if we appeal.
“We are committed to working with our partners in the NHS, charities and across the higher education sector to ensure that together we provide the best possible support for students in their studies.”
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