Federal Lawsuit of John Doe vs. Quinnipiac University

UPDATE — July 10, 2019

District of Connecticut federal judge Janet Bond Arterton ruled on July 10, 2019 that a male student’s lawsuit against Quinnipiac University (“QU”) and three of its current and former employees can proceed to trial on five claims  he brought against the school for violating his rights in a disciplinary matter stemming from a female student’s complaint against him.

Very few cases by males accused of sexual misconduct on college campuses across the country have survived summary judgment on Title IX gender discrimination counts. John Doe’s complaint alleged that the school discriminated against him because of his gender in violation of both Title IX and the school’s own policies.  QU’s attempt to have the suit thrown out was denied, and the case will proceed to trial on two claims  under Title IX (Erroneous Outcome and Selective Enforcement), and three claims under Connecticut state law (Breach of Contract, Breach of the Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing, and Reckless and Wanton Misconduct).

Click Here To Read and Download The Ruling Allowing the Case To Go To Trial

John Doe, a disabled Hispanic male student, filed a Title IX complaint against Quinnipiac University on July 19, 2017 in the District of Connecticut federal court alleging that the school discriminated against him because of his gender in violation of both Title IX statutes and the school’s own policies.

The firm represents college and university students and staff throughout the country whose rights under Title IX have been violated. This includes:

• Student defendants who have been accused of sexual assault or/and a violation of the educational institution’s code of conduct. We help these students and their families navigate the school’s complex disciplinary investigation and hearing procedures.
• Students who bring a claim against another student, staff member, or the university and believe that their claim is being (or has been) improperly investigated or handled. Often, these persons are re-traumatized during the investigative process, and may suffer psychological injuries when the defendant is determined to be “not responsible.”
• Faculty and staff members who make a claim of sexual harassment or discrimination against an educational institution in an employment context (i.e., denial of promotion due to gender or sexual identity). Students who also work as Teaching Assistants and in related positions are considered employees under Title IX.
• Coaches, players, and other parties who file a claim against an educational institution in an athletic context (for example, female players who are denied access to training facilities, or female coaches who are paid less than male coaches).

Read more about our Title IX practice here.