Late in the night of April 13, a water pipe burst on the ninth floor of Monroe Residence Hall, causing absolute chaos and a downpour in hallways and rooms. Video clips of flooded rooms, water gushing from the ceiling and students treading through knee-deep water surfaced all over the Fizz app.
Although the Tulane community offered support to the freshmen impacted, the question of how much Tulane will compensate these students is still in question. Immediately following the flood, Fizz users posted concerns detailing section 9 of the 2025-2026 housing agreement, which disclaims university liability.
In this provision, Tulane “disclaims any responsibility for, and Resident hereby releases and holds the University harmless from, any liability arising from any loss or damage to any personal property”, which may have been “lost, damaged, or stolen, or for any loss thereof occasioned by fire, the elements, or other casualty.”
Under this provision, Tulane as an entity cannot be held liable for any damage to personal property for any reason. In minor circumstances where a student could be comparatively negligent, it is reasonable for the university to shield itself from fault.
However, Tulane should, in good conscience, compensate its students in this circumstance, where a large number of students suffered significant detriment and inconvenience. Since it is conventional wisdom that Monroe Hall is rather old and run down, Tulane should have been aware that the building was prone to structural failures or similar incidents.
Further, Tulane owes its residents an extra duty of care; that is, being prepared for such a situation. Shortly after the incident occurred, students were left to scramble — many of whom found housing in friends’ dorms or off campus. Tulane did not provide students with any information or resources until the next day, when residents unable to return to their dorms were given housing at an off-campus hotel.
This is concerning for students who are less well-connected or struggle to reach out for support. Tulane’s Office of Emergency Preparedness should have had immediate plans prepared to provide shelter for students, instead of leaving it up to the students to figure it out for themselves.
To compensate for immediate damages, Tulane offered to reimburse hotel expenses for April 13 and 14. At the Hyatt Regency, where the displaced students were relocated, amenities include breakfast and a shuttle that runs to and from campus, according to a Fizz post.
Though Tulane is continuing to investigate, it seems that the burst pipe is the result of damage from an occupant. According to several posts on Fizz, the damage was caused by boys playing football.
However, if throwing around a football can cause entire pipes to burst and flood the building, the structural integrity and safety of Monroe should be thoroughly investigated. It is inconceivable that playing casual sports in an unmonitored area of the building can cause a destructive flood.
Regardless of who is liable, Tulane, which holds primary responsibility for the welfare of its students, must step up and compensate students for any losses incurred. Attempting to avoid liability through section 9 is unconscionable and unfair to the students. Although Tulane’s status and funding are uncertain, due to current threats from the federal government, making ethical choices should still be Tulane’s priority.