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Former graduate student files lawsuit against U, alleges mishandling of sexual assault case

In a lawsuit filed in federal court in New Jersey on March 9, a former University graduate student, identified only as John Doe in the case, alleged that the University did not take his case of sexual assault and attempted suicide seriously enough. The University responded that the lawsuit contains inaccurate representations of how the University handled the student’s case.

“The University responds seriously and compassionately to victims of sexual misconduct and to all students who need support,” Assistant Vice President for Communications Daniel Day wrote in a statement.

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The University received notice of the lawsuit on March 10, according to the Associated Press. Because the University just learned about the case, it has not selected counsel. The trial date has not been set, and the University has not yet been served with the complaint.

According to case documents, the plaintiff notified the University that he had been sexually assaulted twice in 2014, and the plaintiff accused the University of demonstrating “a disturbing deliberate indifference and gender bias regarding John Doe’s status as a ‘complainant’ on the basis of his male sex.” Notably, when the plaintiff notified the University of the sexual assaults, the University charged John Doe and the perpetrator dubbed Student Y with sexual misconduct. Moreover, according to the documents, the University did not interview all of the plaintiff’s witnesses.

Because the student fell into a depression while he was experiencing a hostile environment, he failed to maintain the B average required to be enrolled as a graduate student at the University. The University then terminated his enrollment.

“Due to Princeton’s actions, John Doe’s graduate degree has been thwarted and the monies spent on obtaining a graduate degree at Princeton squandered. John Doe’s future career and educational prospects have been damaged by his experience at Princeton,” the case documents read.

The plaintiff John Doe’s attorneys Kimberly C. Lau and Avi Lew are part of Warshaw Burnstein, LLP, according to the case documents.

“This matter was investigated extensively and fairly in full compliance with University policies and procedures,” Day wrote. “The lawsuit is without merit, and we intend to mount a vigorous defense.”

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The lawsuit will seek financial damages should Doe prevail, according to the AP.

The University said they are not aware of any similar lawsuits.

More to come . . .

Associate News Editor Abhiram Karuppur contributed reporting.

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