M. Trey Gerlach, a former residential adviser at Boise State University’s Osprey dormitory, escalated his legal dispute with the institution by filing two additional tort claims on July 1, bringing his total damages request to at least $500,000. The claims expand his original allegations filed in May to encompass discrimination, disability-based harassment, and what he contends is the university’s improper withholding of public records.
Gerlach served as an RA from August through November, a tenure that ended amid contested circumstances. His initial tort claim, filed in May, sought $300,000 and alleged wrongful termination and eviction from university housing. The two new claims, each seeking more than $100,000 in special and general damages, add fresh allegations to the dispute.
The Complaint and University Response
The conflict traces to May 3, when two female resident advisers sent video messages to Gerlach. In one message, he was referred to with derogatory language. Three days later, on May 6, Gerlach filed a formal complaint about the videos.
Martha Turner, an official in Boise State’s Office of Compliance and Ethics and Title IX coordinator, responded with a letter dated May 15 declining to open an investigation. Turner noted that the two female RAs involved “no longer members of the Boise State University community,” effectively ending their employment or affiliation with the university.
Gerlach also faced an accusation that he had offered alcohol to underage students, an allegation central to his removal from the position.
Records Dispute and Legal Representation
Beyond the employment and harassment claims, Gerlach has pursued university records under public disclosure laws. He has already paid $720.01 for documents the university provided and faces an estimated $164.14 in costs for additional records he requested. Gerlach contends the university withheld most records in response to his request, potentially violating transparency obligations.
Marcus Gerlach, based in Bainbridge Island, Washington, represents the former RA in the matter.
Boise State University declined to address the specifics of the case. “The university is not commenting on this legal matter,” said spokeswoman Stephany Galbreaith.
What Comes Next
The dispute now moves into the formal claims process, with Gerlach’s legal team asserting that the university failed to protect him from a hostile environment created by other residential staff and subsequently stonewalled his attempts to obtain documentation. The university faces deadlines to respond to the July 1 tort claims and to address the public records dispute. How Boise State handles these claims—whether through settlement discussions, administrative responses, or further litigation—remains to be determined.