Judge Allowed Punitive Damages in LMU Lawsuit
A Los Angeles judge granted a motion allowing Jonnae Serrano to seek punitive damages against Loyola Marymount University.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Sex Crimes
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Judge Virginia Keeny ruled that Jonnae Serrano may pursue punitive damages in her ongoing lawsuit against Loyola Marymount University. The legal move follows allegations that the university forced Serrano to report to a supervisor who reportedly harassed her.
Why it matters
The ruling allows for potential punitive damages based on claims that school administration required Serrano to report to her harasser following a psychiatric hospitalization. This decision acknowledges evidence that the university failed to protect the student employee despite being aware of her fears regarding retaliation.
Judge Virginia Keeny granted the motion to file an amended complaint on October 9, 2026. The trial for the lawsuit, initially filed in November 2024, is currently scheduled to begin on April 19, 2027.
The players
Jonnae Serrano
She is a 25-year-old student who served as a resident assistant at Loyola Marymount University.
Loyola Marymount University
It is a private Jesuit and Marymount research university located in Los Angeles.
Virginia Keeny
She is a judge presiding over the case at the Los Angeles Superior Court.
The details
Jonnae Serrano, who worked as a resident assistant at Palm South Residences, alleges her supervisor made racially inappropriate comments, including claims that Black hair was meant to hold secrets. The lawsuit further asserts that the university administration instructed her to seek therapy after she reported the behavior and faced a mandatory psychiatric hold.
Timeline
Jonnae Serrano enrolled at Loyola Marymount University in 2021.
The lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles in November 2024.
Judge Virginia Keeny granted the punitive damages motion on October 9, 2026.
The civil trial is scheduled to begin on April 19, 2027.
Legal Context
This case reflects the broader legal scrutiny applied to university reporting protocols under Title IX and civil rights mandates. The court's willingness to allow punitive damages signals an intensified focus on institutional accountability for student employee safety.
This ruling highlights the potential for significant legal consequences when local institutions fail to address harassment claims. Residents should be aware that such cases may lead to changes in internal university safety and reporting policies.
The takeaway
The court's decision underscores that institutions may face enhanced penalties when they fail to protect employees from known workplace harassment. Students and staff should document incidents of harassment and track institutional responses to ensure their safety and legal recourse.
What happens next
The civil trial for this lawsuit is currently set to begin on April 19, 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about local legal developments in sex-crimes.
Source note: This article includes information reported by My News LA.
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