Trigger warning: mentions of sexual assault.
On Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, an article published by Philadelphia Magazine disclosed a sexual assault lawsuit filed against Villanova University, College Hall apartment complex and three male students.
The assault allegedly took place on Aug. 24, 2022 in a Sheehan Hall dorm room. Prior to the assault, the student attended a party at College Hall, a popular off-campus housing spot for students that is colloquially known as “Courts.” At this party, underage students, including the plaintiff, were consuming alcoholic beverages.
At the time of the assault, all three of the men and the plaintiff were sophomores at Villanova University. However, only one of the male students remains actively enrolled in the University.
The suit was filed in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas but was transferred to federal court because the case involves parties from multiple states and jurisdictions. The plaintiff is seeking damages through this civil suit but does not mention a specific amount that they are seeking. However, based on the nature of the complaint and the demands for compensatory damages, punitive damages, costs and damages for pre-judgment delay against seven defendants, it’s reasonable to conclude that the plaintiff is seeking more than $75,000 in damages.
Villanova as an entity is facing multiple counts in this lawsuit, including Negligence and Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress. According to the legal document, the plaintiff argues that Villanova University failed to provide a safe environment for their students and failed to educate students on sexual assault and underage drinking
The University declined to comment on the pending litigation.
The plaintiff also alleges the negligence of College Hall Defendants and Marks, the management company that owned the apartment complex. According to the claim, College Hall management was aware of the frequent parties and illegal activity but took no action to ensure safety or prevent underage drinking.
An article by The Villanovan from February of 2024 references the frequent police interactions with the residents of College Hall. In the article, Lieutenant Edward Sarama of the Lower Merion Police Department referred to the building as “an echo chamber.” He described College Hall as, “its own animal.”
The claims against the three male students are numerous and include assault, battery, rape, sexual assault, indecent assault, conspiracy and intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress. One of the three male students is facing criminal charges for being the main assailant in this case.
To report a sexual assault or an act of sexual misconduct, call Public Safety at 610-519-5800; the Title IX Coordinator Ms. Ryan Rost at 610-519-8805; or a Deputy Title IX Coordinator. For more information on support resources, call the Sexual Assault Resource Coordinator (SARC) at 484-343-6028. For more information on Villanova’s sexual misconduct prevention and education efforts, visit: https://www1.villanova.edu/university/sexual-misconduct/education.html
For the National Sexual Assault Hotline, call 1-800-656-4673.