Fordham University student sues school for alleged negligence in rape incident
Fordham University has declined to comment on the ongoing litigation process.
Twelve years after an alleged assault and rape incident in his college dorm room, a former student at Fordham University is suing the institution after he says they did nothing to protect him.
Francis Austin describes his sophomore year at Fordham as the worst year of his life, saying he lived in constant fear of his roommate that he was paired with during the first semester.
Austin says his roommate’s behavior grew increasingly erratic and violent, saying that the roommate would regularly threaten to rape and kill him. He claims that he repeated it multiple times to the school, but that they did not do anything to help his safety.
In February 2011, Austin says his roommate carried out those repeated threats and raped him in his dorm room.
Austin’s legal team made it clear that they wouldn’t be taking legal action against his alleged abuser, but that their goal is to hold the institution that they feel allowed the assault to happen responsible.
Through the New York City Adult Survivor’s Act, Austin and his legal team are hoping the court will award Austin financial relief for damages that, according to his lawsuit, include physical injuries, emotional distress, anxiety, and other forms of harm.
News 12 reached out to Fordham University for a response, to which they replied:
"The University doesn't comment on litigation in progress."
