Headline: University Denies Liability in Sexual Assault Lawsuit by Student
In a bold move, Université Sainte-Anne in Nova Scotia has come out swinging against allegations made by student Marissa Williams, who claims she was sexually assaulted on campus. The university vehemently denied the accusations in a notice of defence filed on August 8, 2024, asserting that they did not fail to protect Williams from harm as she alleges.
Williams, a student at the francophone school since 2019, accused two fellow students of assaulting her in separate incidents in 2021. Despite her claims, the university refuted any negligence or vicarious liability on their part, challenging her assertions in court.
Université Sainte-Anne rejected Williams’s claims that the school mishandled her complaint, emphasizing that they took her report seriously and conducted a thorough internal investigation in good faith. The university also disputed the characterization of the accused men as “school ambassadors,” distancing themselves from any responsibility.
Furthermore, the university denied knowing about the alleged assaults committed by one of the accused, suggesting that the relationship between the man and Williams was consensual. They also maintained that the accused was not a university employee, disputing the allegations made by Williams.
While the lawsuit is ongoing and none of the accusations have been proven in court, the university has requested the case be dismissed with costs, steadfast in their position against the claims brought forth by Williams.
For support services for survivors of sexual assault, please refer to the Government of Canada website or contact the Ending Violence Association of Canada. If you’re in immediate danger, dial 911. Your safety is paramount.
For more stories and updates, contact Reporter Celina at celina.aalders@cbc.ca or reach out to CBC Audience Relations for further assistance. Canada, we stand with you in solidarity and support.
In a bold move, Université Sainte-Anne in Nova Scotia has come out swinging against allegations made by student Marissa Williams, who claims she was sexually assaulted on campus. The university vehemently denied the accusations in a notice of defence filed on August 8, 2024, asserting that they did not fail to protect Williams from harm as she alleges.
Williams, a student at the francophone school since 2019, accused two fellow students of assaulting her in separate incidents in 2021. Despite her claims, the university refuted any negligence or vicarious liability on their part, challenging her assertions in court.
Université Sainte-Anne rejected Williams’s claims that the school mishandled her complaint, emphasizing that they took her report seriously and conducted a thorough internal investigation in good faith. The university also disputed the characterization of the accused men as “school ambassadors,” distancing themselves from any responsibility.
Furthermore, the university denied knowing about the alleged assaults committed by one of the accused, suggesting that the relationship between the man and Williams was consensual. They also maintained that the accused was not a university employee, disputing the allegations made by Williams.
While the lawsuit is ongoing and none of the accusations have been proven in court, the university has requested the case be dismissed with costs, steadfast in their position against the claims brought forth by Williams.
For support services for survivors of sexual assault, please refer to the Government of Canada website or contact the Ending Violence Association of Canada. If you’re in immediate danger, dial 911. Your safety is paramount.
For more stories and updates, contact Reporter Celina at celina.aalders@cbc.ca or reach out to CBC Audience Relations for further assistance. Canada, we stand with you in solidarity and support.
