ST. LOUIS — A Washington University student is suspended from campus because of reports he assaulted women at the school, according to an email a school administrator sent one of his alleged victims.
In the email, the administrator says she’s interviewed several witnesses, and the student will have to move off-campus by Thursday night. He can still attend classes on campus.
The suspension comes months after the victim says she reported an attack to school administration but only days after she published her account anonymously in the student newspaper Student Life.
"He sat on me and choked me in a way that made me lose consciousness,” she told 5 On Your Side.
She asked to remain anonymous because the student was still on campus at the time of the interview.
"He's a threat," she said.
She says she was not his only victim.
"He's still hurting women on this campus, and that's just appalling to me,” she said. "Students at this school deserve to know if the administration isn't keeping dangerous individuals away from them."
Washington University told 5 On Your Side in a statement, “Our responsibility is to do everything we can to support this student, and it is deeply troubling to know that we may be falling short,” but they are sticking with their process to make sure they’re fair to everyone involved.
The full statement is posted below.
The school’s vice chancellor for students also published a response in the school paper.
STATEMENT FROM WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS
APRIL 19, 2018
"We take very delicate care in these situations to respect privacy and protect integrity of the investigative process, so we cannot share full details. However, we can share that the student has been temporarily suspended, pending formal adjudication. The student’s access to campus has been limited to attendance at class and the taking of exams. At all other times, the student must remain off campus. We are closely monitoring the situation and are confident that our students are safe.
We took this step based on information gathered from our students and the formal reporting of allegations. It takes great courage to come forward. We continue to work directly with these students and others who they know and trust to understand and meet their needs. We are proud of the support among our student body that has helped to empower their fellow students to act."
STATEMENT FROM WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS
APRIL 17, 2018
It is challenging to respond to the specifics of the op-ed that appeared in Student Life without breaking confidentiality, sharing details of an investigation, or potentially further victimizing a student. It takes courage to come forward with allegations of physical and/or sexual assault. Our responsibility is to do everything we can to support this student, and it is deeply troubling to know that we may be falling short – through our Title IX efforts or support through the Washington University Police Department, Student Health Services, our Office of Student Conduct, or any other program that is in place to help and support our students. University personnel are trying to maintain regular contact with the author of the op-ed and to work directly with her to address her needs and concerns.
At the same time, we bear a heavy responsibility in investigating allegations of physical and/or sexual assault. We are committed to adhering to our process and being thorough and fair to everyone involved in these cases. We work very hard to move as quickly as we can – especially knowing how stressful these situations can be for our students. We also try to make sure that students are aware of all of the resources that are available to them throughout the investigative process, which in most cases begins with a formal complaint by a victim. Some of our students choose to file a complaint. Others do not. We respect this decision and do everything we can to help a student decide what is best for them.
RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS
Relationship & Sexual Violence Prevention Center (RSVP Center): Community health resource committed to prevention education, as well as response, support and empowerment for victims of relationship and sexual violence.
Sexual Assault and Rape Anonymous Helpline (SARAH): 24/7 helpline to support students who have been victimized, are supporting others, or who have questions about relationship or sexual violence. SARAH is run by specially trained undergraduate and graduate students.
Uncle Joe's Peer Counseling and Resource Center: Confidential peer counseling group made up of undergraduate students who are specially trained to discuss a range of issues commonly faced by Washington University students.
Habif Health and Wellness Center: Provides student-centered health and promotion services to Washington University students including medical checkups, mental health services, wellness support and health education.
Get information on these and other resources at rsvpcenter.wustl.edu/get-help/ or titleix.wustl.edu/resources.
