A former Mitchell Hall resident is suing the University for failing to maintain a safe and clean living space after mold growth in the building allegedly led to an eye infection and respiratory issues.

In a one-page claim filed in D.C. Superior Court Tuesday, Adam Beasley alleges the University violated a D.C. municipal regulation that requires officials to uphold living arrangements in “a clean, safe and sanitary condition.” Beasley is suing for nearly $3,500 and alleges an “airborne mold spore concentration” in the building and mold growing on his mattress prompted him to evacuate his room in July 2019, two months after he moved in.

Beasley said in an email that the University “refused” to reimburse him for his housing payment, despite his exposure to the building’s mold.

“I hope GW finally refunds my housing payment and recognizes that they can no longer take students’ money in exchange for unsafe housing conditions,” Beasley said.

University spokeswoman Crystal Nosal did not return a request for comment.

Beasley said he moved into the second floor of Mitchell Hall in May 2019 for an internship at the U.S. Department of Justice. The lawsuit states Beasley “almost immediately” began to feel allergic symptoms including a cough, a runny nose and congestion and “within days” felt eye discomfort marked by swelling, pain, redness and watering.

Beasley said his respiratory and eye issues forced him to “miss several days of work” and interfered with his ability to prepare for the Law School Administration Test.

“Throughout the nine weeks I spent in Mitchell Hall, the respiratory symptoms were nearly continuous, and the eye issues flared and subsided repeatedly, for days at a time, all during a critical time for me – while I was trying to both work a full time job at the Department of Justice and study for and take the LSAT test,” Beasley said.

The lawsuit states officials issued an email on July 31 of that year stating the building had been infected with mold that “far-exceeded industry safety standards” by more than 500 percent. Beasley said he saw mold growing on his mattress as he was moving out that day.

Beasley said officials should refund his housing payment since they failed to provide the safety and sanitation they originally promised.

“When I paid GW for housing, I expected accommodations that did not endanger my health,” Beasley said.