Brown student accused of sex assault allowed back to class

By:  Michelle R. Smith, Associated Press

nvinas@abc6.com

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) _ A federal judge is allowing a Brown University student accused of sexual assault to resume classes while his lawsuit against the Ivy League school is pending.

The judge said the student is likely to succeed, at least in part, in his breach of contract claim.

Brown found that the student, identified as ‘John Doe’, was responsible for sexually assaulting a female student and suspended him for two years in April. He said the encounter was consensual, and sued.

U.S. District Judge William Smith held a bench trial over the summer. Smith is currently writing his decision, and said Doe will suffer irreparable harm if he is unable to start the fall semester.

Lawyers for the woman did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Classes begin Sept. 7.

© The Associated Press WLNE-TV       2016