Yale University has introduced new mental health policies for students in crisis.
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00:00Yale University will allow students suffering from mental health problems to take a medical
00:04leave of absence instead of having to withdraw from classes.
00:08Under the new policy, students can take time off without losing health insurance, campus
00:12resources, nor having to apply for reinstatement.
00:15All of which are policies students have long criticized.
00:17The policy update comes two months after the Washington Post reported students were being
00:21pressured by Yale administrators to withdraw after disclosing mental health problems, which
00:26would require them to reapply.
00:28The story, which included accounts from more than 25 current and former students, explained
00:32that many avoided seeking mental health services and hid suicidal thoughts for fear of being
00:36exiled.
00:37By the end of November, students and alumni had filed a lawsuit against Yale University,
00:41accusing the school of systematically discriminating against students with mental illness and asking
00:46not for monetary damages before an update to its policy.
00:49With the change, students are also now eligible for 4 terms of leave, an increase from 2.