News

Sexual Assault Lawsuit Filed Against Villanova University, College Hall Apartments, & Three Male Students

Emma Cahill and Hannah Sweeney

September 11, 2024

There are new updates in the lawsuit filed against Villanova University, College Hall Apartment and three male students.

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.

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About the Contributors

Emma Cahill, Co-Editor-in-Chief

Emma Cahill is one of the Co-Editors-in-Chief of The Villanovan in 2024. A senior Political Science and English double major, Emma held the position of Co-Culture Editor in 2023. Emma has covered anything and everything during her time writing for the paper, ranging from March Madness in New Orleans, to horoscopes, to interviewing Sebastian Stan. Emma is a very passionate person, namely about her family and friends, Taylor Swift, and especially Long Island bagels. When she is out of the office, Emma can be spotted giving tours of campus for Blue Key or strolling around Villanova with an iced coffee in hand.

Hannah Sweeney, Co-Editor-in-Chief

Hannah Sweeney is one of two Co-Editors-in-Chief of The Villanovan in Fall 2024. Hannah held the position of Co-News Editor in 2023. She is majoring in Political Science with a minor in Communication. She has used this interest in politics and current events to cover topics such as voting, social justice and on campus political events. When she is not writing, she enjoys watching movies, hanging with friends, or even attempting intramural sports. Emphasis on attempting.

Graydon Paul, Photography Editor

Graydon Paul is a senior Computer Engineering Major in her second year as Photography Editor. As the editor, she edits photos for every issue, making sure they highlight and fit the context of each article. Apart from The Villanovan, Graydon is a huge sports fan, loves to read, collect records, and do anything outside with her two labs, Scotch and Özil. However, that sports fandom has drawn the ire of several Villanovan editors, as Graydon is a devoted supporter of her hometown Dallas Cowboys.