A recent lawsuit has been filed against Hofstra University, following a disturbing incident where a woman reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest while seated for the New York State Bar Exam. Mary Jane Hung, a resident of New Jersey, was taking the examination on 30 July 2025, when she experienced a critical medical emergency, which she claims went largely ignored by the administering personnel.
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The legal complaint, submitted to Nassau County court on 29 July 2026, outlines the events of that day when approximately 600 candidates gathered at the university’s testing hall. According to the document, around midday, Hung suddenly collapsed after showing signs of distress, including difficulty breathing and a change in skin colour, which were apparent to both fellow candidates and test proctors.
Witnesses attempted to alert Hofstra’s personnel of Hung’s alarming condition, but the complaint asserts that there was no prompt response. “Despite the obvious and escalating emergency, 911 and/or campus emergency personnel were not summoned with the urgency reasonably required under the circumstances,” the filing contends.
Moreover, Hung’s complaint raises concerns about the immediate lack of medical intervention during this life-threatening episode. The suit claims that CPR was not administered promptly and that no automated external defibrillator (AED) was deployed when it was critically needed. Test-takers were reportedly instructed to remain focused on the examination despite the ongoing medical crisis.
The court filing alleges that not only did the examination continue with Hung unconscious on the floor, but those who sought to assist her were met with discouragement from the staff. This seemingly callous response has raised serious questions about the university’s preparedness for emergencies, with Hung accusing the school of negligence in failing to maintain an effective emergency action plan.
As a consequence of this delayed response, the complaint states that Hung has suffered “severe, permanent and life-altering injuries,” including memory loss and cognitive impairments, and has been diagnosed with ventricular fibrillation. The incident has not only impacted her health but has also disrupted her educational and professional trajectory significantly.
Hung is pursuing claims against Hofstra University for negligence, premises liability, and inadequate training of staff, seeking compensatory damages and a jury trial. Her attorney, Imran H. Ansari, expressed hope that the lawsuit would bring accountability and closure following this traumatic experience.
In an interview with Newsday, a fellow test-taker reflected on the situation, stating, “That’s a real person who could be dying right in front of us, and we’re still being expected to continue to finish our questions for this exam.” This comment underscores the distressing moral dilemma faced by those in the examination hall.
Hofstra University has responded to the allegations, asserting that their Public Safety officers provided immediate life-saving measures, including CPR and defibrillation, until paramedics arrived to take Hung to a local hospital. A spokesperson for the university expressed their concern for Hung and her family, wishing her a speedy recovery.
As the case progresses through the courts, it raises vital questions about the responsibilities of educational institutions in emergency situations and how they prepare their staff to respond to life-threatening incidents on campus. The outcome may have broader implications for similar institutions regarding health and safety protocols at examinations and other large events.
With these serious allegations now subject to legal scrutiny, the situation remains ever-evolving. The public and legal community will be watching closely as the details unfold in the coming months.