Former Student Files a Lawsuit Against the University of Illinois For Sex Discrimination And Violations of His Civil Rights.
The law firm of Friedman Nemecek and Long, L.L.C., based in Cleveland, Ohio, has filed a lawsuit today in the Federal District Court for the Central District of Illinois against The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois, Danielle Fleenor, Rony Die, Justin Brown, January Boten, Debra Imel, Mariah Young, and John Roes 1-5, asserting that the University of Illinois and the other Defendants improperly handled their federal Title IX obligations resulting in substantial violations of Plaintiff, John Doe’s civil and contractual rights.
As set forth in the Complaint, Plaintiff, John Doe, was falsely accused of sexually assaulting a classmate while he was a student at the University. John Doe immediately and completely denied the allegation and informed the University and other Defendants that he was sexually assaulted by the classmate that accused him. The University launched an investigation into the allegations, which, under Title IX, was required to be a fair and impartial investigation aimed at uncovering the truth.
Defendants, Danielle Fleenor, Rony Die, Justin Brown, January Boten, Debra Imel, Mariah Young, and John Roes 1-5, now stand accused of knowingly engaging in a coordinated sham investigation that was designed to find Doe “guilty” and ultimately lead to his expulsion. University investigators and other personnel, according to the Complaint, ignored Doe’s favorable evidence and the accuser’s credibility issues. Instead, it is alleged, the Defendants knowingly disregarded Plaintiff’s own claims that he was a victim of sexual assault by victim-blaming him and insinuating that, as a male, he could not truly be a victim. Plaintiff further claims that the Defendants’ actions stripped him of receiving a fair and unbiased process that resulted in his expulsion while offering a more friendly process to his classmate. Despite their own policies mandating a fair process, John Doe was deprived of his protective rights pursuant Title IX, and the United States Constitution.
The Complaint seeks relief that will provide remedies for the personal and systemic wrongs presented in this case.
If you have questions regarding this matter or would like further comment from counsel, call Friedman Nemecek Long & Grant, L.L.C. at 216.928.7700 or send an email to Attorney Eric F. Long efl@fanlegal.com