Headline: University Denies Responsibility in Campus Sexual Assault Lawsuit
In a recent legal battle, Université Sainte-Anne in Nova Scotia is pushing back against claims made by student Marissa Williams, who alleges she was sexually assaulted on campus. The university vehemently denies all allegations of neglect in protecting Williams from harm, as outlined in her lawsuit filed in May.
Williams has bravely recounted her harrowing experiences, asserting that she was raped by two fellow students in separate incidents in 2021. The accused individuals, one being a member of the men’s volleyball team and the other a residential adviser, have been at the center of the controversy.
In response, Université Sainte-Anne issued a notice of defence on August 8, 2024, refuting claims that it failed to safeguard Williams and rejecting allegations of mishandling her complaints. The university asserted that it took the report seriously and conducted a thorough internal investigation in good faith.
Despite the serious accusations, the university maintains that it had no knowledge of the alleged assaults by the residential adviser and disputes claims of placing the volleyball player in a position of influence on campus. Furthermore, it denied that the residential adviser was a university employee and emphasized that he was engaged in a consensual relationship with Williams.
While the legal proceedings unfold, the university has remained tight-lipped on the matter, declining to comment while the case is ongoing. Williams’ civil suit seeks unspecified damages, but the university contests her entitlement to any compensation, emphasizing the need for strict proof of claims.
Université Sainte-Anne is seeking the dismissal of the lawsuit with costs, presenting a staunch defense against the allegations brought forth by Williams. Amidst these legal battles, support is available for survivors of sexual assault through crisis lines and local services to provide assistance during such challenging times.
In a recent legal battle, Université Sainte-Anne in Nova Scotia is pushing back against claims made by student Marissa Williams, who alleges she was sexually assaulted on campus. The university vehemently denies all allegations of neglect in protecting Williams from harm, as outlined in her lawsuit filed in May.
Williams has bravely recounted her harrowing experiences, asserting that she was raped by two fellow students in separate incidents in 2021. The accused individuals, one being a member of the men’s volleyball team and the other a residential adviser, have been at the center of the controversy.
In response, Université Sainte-Anne issued a notice of defence on August 8, 2024, refuting claims that it failed to safeguard Williams and rejecting allegations of mishandling her complaints. The university asserted that it took the report seriously and conducted a thorough internal investigation in good faith.
Despite the serious accusations, the university maintains that it had no knowledge of the alleged assaults by the residential adviser and disputes claims of placing the volleyball player in a position of influence on campus. Furthermore, it denied that the residential adviser was a university employee and emphasized that he was engaged in a consensual relationship with Williams.
While the legal proceedings unfold, the university has remained tight-lipped on the matter, declining to comment while the case is ongoing. Williams’ civil suit seeks unspecified damages, but the university contests her entitlement to any compensation, emphasizing the need for strict proof of claims.
Université Sainte-Anne is seeking the dismissal of the lawsuit with costs, presenting a staunch defense against the allegations brought forth by Williams. Amidst these legal battles, support is available for survivors of sexual assault through crisis lines and local services to provide assistance during such challenging times.
