DBU Mold Lawsuit: Residential Air Quality Information and FAQs

Dallas Baptist University (DBU) is currently addressing a pending lawsuit involving allegations concerning mold and air quality in university residential housing. DBU is addressing these claims through the legal process while remaining committed to the health, safety, and well-being of its students. DBU denies the allegations in the lawsuit and stands by its response filed with the Court. This page provides information about DBU's residential air quality practices, procedures for responding to mold concerns, and answers to frequently asked questions related to the pending litigation.

We genuinely care about every member of the DBU family, and we regret that some students and parents have felt their concerns were not fully met. It is our earnest hope to work toward reconciliation wherever that is possible. While certain legal matters must be handled through counsel and the legal system, our priority remains providing a safe and supportive environment for all students. We encourage any student or parent with questions or concerns about their specific housing situation to reach out to us directly so we may address those matters personally.

For Fall 2026, what can students expect if they report concerns about mold or air quality?

When a student submits a maintenance request regarding mold or air quality, DBU follows a response process:

1. Professional IAQ Testing When Indicated: If mold is seen or reasonably suspected based on a visual inspection or a student’s report, DBU orders professional Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) testing through a licensed, independent third-party firm.
2. Action Based on Results: If testing does not show elevated mold levels, DBU may still perform cleaning, repairs, or other preventive measures. If testing or inspection identifies conditions requiring attention, DBU initiates appropriate remediation or repairs, which may include cleaning, dehumidification, HVAC work, or other building maintenance. Importantly, DBU engages specialized contractors and licensed remediation professionals in accordance with all applicable laws.
3. Follow-Up: DBU communicates findings and steps taken to affected students and invites them to report any continuing or new concerns.

For the majority of DBU housing units, our standard response protocol applies: prompt inspection, professional IAQ testing when indicated, and appropriate remediation based on results.

Why are some units not being cleaned, repaired, remediated, or reassigned right now?

Some units are directly involved in the pending litigation. Because those units may be evidence in that case, DBU has a legal obligation to preserve them in their current condition until the obligation ends by agreement of the parties or by court order. This is a standard requirement in litigation. It exists so that everyone involved – including students who brought the claims, their experts, and opposing counsel – can examine the same conditions.

In practical terms, for these units DBU currently must refrain from:

• Cleaning, treating, or remediating the unit;
• Making repairs, renovations, or other maintenance changes; and
• Reassigning the unit or moving new residents into it.

DBU must also allow the parties and their experts a reasonable opportunity to inspect and test these units in their current condition. These limitations are required by DBU’s preservation obligations and are not a reflection of DBU’s level of concern for those spaces or the students who live in them. DBU will resume its normal cleaning, maintenance, and housing-assignment process for these units as soon as its preservation obligations allow.

Who can I contact if I have questions or concerns?

DBU wants every student and parent to feel informed and supported.

For specific concerns about your unit or building (leaks, odors, visible mold, or other maintenance issues), please submit a maintenance request through the “DBU Maintenance” tile on the MyDBU screen. Include your unit number and the specific location of the concern.

For general questions or broader concerns about DBU’s response to housing or air quality issues, please contact the Office of Student Affairs at studentaffairs@dbu.edu.

What preventative measures should residents take?

To help prevent the growth of mold and mildew in residential housing, students are expected to do the following:

• Keep the thermostat fan setting on “auto” to reduce humidity. For occupied units, keep the temperature set to 68 degrees or higher to reduce condensation buildup. For unoccupied units, keep the thermostat at 72 degrees or higher.
• Keep air vents unobstructed.
• Regularly vacuum carpets and mop floors to remove household dirt and debris that harbor mold.
• Routinely clean all private bathrooms and kitchen areas to prevent the growth of soap scum or the buildup of mildew. Keep all surfaces dry.
• Keep bathroom doors closed while showering. Hang wet towels and clothing to dry. Run the bathroom exhaust fan to support proper ventilation.
• Throw away moldy food immediately.
• Keep windows closed.
• Report any water problems (leaks, dripping faucets, wet carpets, etc.) immediately by submitting a maintenance request through the MyDBU screen under the tile named "DBU Maintenance." Please include specific details on your requests. The maintenance team will be able to contact you via email updates.

For general information about mold and mildew prevention and reporting in DBU residential housing, visit the Mold/Mildew Information page.