Syracuse, N.Y. - A former Syracuse University student is taking the University to court -- sparking off another debate on Title 9.
John Noakes was accused by another student of sexually assailing her in an alley on South Crouse Avenue in the Fall of 2015. The woman made the allegation against him after bumping into him three months after the assault.
Although never charged by police, the University believed it had enough evidence to indefinitely suspend Noakes. He has always maintained his innocence.
“Syracuse University takes every alleged incident of sexual violence extremely seriously, says a Syracuse University Spokesperson. “The University's process to adjudicate sexual assault allegations is fully guided by federal and state law. Per University policy we do not comment on the specifics of any pending litigation.”
The suit is accusing the University, and its Title IX hearing process of acting biasedly against him.