– KATIE MEYER HIGHLIGHT –
A Story That Sparked Change
Katie Meyer was more than a Stanford University soccer captain. She was a leader, a teammate, and a young woman with an extraordinary future.
In 2022, at just 22 years old, Katie died by suicide following disciplinary action from Stanford University.
The disciplinary process stemmed from an incident in which Katie spilled coffee on a football player who had allegedly sexually assaulted one of her teammates. What followed was a formal notice outlining severe consequences, including removal from the soccer team and the possibility that she would not be allowed to graduate.
In the days leading up to her death, Katie received a letter detailing those potential outcomes. The timing, tone, and lack of support surrounding that process have raised urgent questions about how institutions handle discipline, mental health, and student safety.
Katie’s story has since become a national conversation and a catalyst for change.
Holding Institutions Accountable
Katie’s parents filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Stanford University, alleging that the university’s disciplinary process failed to adequately protect student well-being.
Justice Law Collaborative partner Kim Dougherty represented the Meyer family in this case, working to hold the institution accountable and push for meaningful reform. The case brought national attention to:
- The absence of mental health safeguards in disciplinary proceedings
- The intense pressure placed on students during institutional actions
- The responsibility universities have to act with care when student safety is at stake
The Nonprofit: Katie’s Save
In the wake of unimaginable loss, Katie’s family created Katie’s Save, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting students and raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. Partner, Kim Dougherty was happy to help in the creation and currently serves on the Board of Directors. Katie’s Save works with students and athletic programs at all levels to:
- Share Katie’s story
- Raise awareness about mental health challenges
- Promote suicide prevention education and resources
- Encourage institutions to prioritize student well-being
Katie was a goalkeeper. Today, her story is helping protect others.
The ESPN Documentary
Save: The Katie Meyer Story, produced by ESPN, offers an intimate and powerful look at Katie’s life and legacy. Through exclusive interviews, archival footage, and personal stories, the film captures:
- Katie’s rise as a leader and national champion athlete
- Her dream of attending Stanford and pursuing a future in law
- The disciplinary process that put everything she worked for at risk
- The profound impact of institutional pressure in her final months
Kim Dougherty is featured in the documentary, highlighting the legal advocacy behind the case and the broader fight for reform. The film also follows her family’s determination to create change through Katie Meyer’s Law, ensuring that other students are better protected.
The Legislation
Katie’s story has inspired state and federal legislation aimed at protecting college students. In September 2024, Governor Newsom signed AB 1575, Katie Meyer’s Law, which will allow students at California’s public colleges and universities to select an adviser to help them navigate the disciplinary process.
Nationally, H.R. 5545: Katie Meyer’s Law, sponsored by Julia Brownley, has been introduced in Congress but has not yet been passed. We were happy to assist in the creation of this important legislation. The proposed law would:
- Ensure students have the right to an independent advisor during disciplinary proceedings
- Provide critical support during high-stress institutional processes
- Establish reporting requirements for campus suicide incidents
- Promote greater accountability and transparency
Katie Meyer’s Law is rooted in a simple but critical principle: students should not have to face these moments alone.
How you can help:
You can help move Katie Meyer’s Law forward.
- Find your representatives: https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member
- Email Your Representatives Subject: Support for H.R. 5545 – Katie Meyer’s Law Ask them to support legislation that protects students and strengthens mental health safeguards.
- Call Your Representatives A short call can make a real impact. Share why this issue matters and urge support for H.R. 5545.
The Resolution
Stanford University and the Meyer family reached a resolution in the lawsuit following Katie’s tragic death. As part of that resolution, Stanford committed to meaningful actions designed to honor Katie’s legacy and improve student support:
- A new mental health initiative in collaboration with Katie’s family through the Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance
- The creation of the Katie Meyer Leadership Award for outstanding student-athletes
- Adoption of the principles of Katie Meyer’s Law within Stanford’s disciplinary process
- The retirement of Katie’s jersey number, #19, in honor of her lasting impact
While Stanford, as a private university, is not required to follow legislation applicable to public institutions, its agreement to adopt these principles represents a meaningful step toward accountability and reform.
2026 Stanford Katie Meyer Leadership Award Ceremony
National Recognition
In 2026, Save: The Katie Meyer Story was nominated for a Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Sports Journalism. This recognition underscores the national importance of Katie’s story and the growing movement for change. UPDATE – The Katie Meyer Story WON!
A Lasting Legacy
Katie Meyer’s story is not just about loss. It is about impact.
Through advocacy, litigation, reform, and awareness, her legacy is helping protect students across the country.
At Justice Law Collaborative, we are proud to stand with families like Katie’s, working to hold institutions accountable and create meaningful change.
Update: May 2026 Emmy Award Winner for Outstanding Sports Journalism!
