Stanford Accused of Mishandling Sexual Assault Complaints

SAN FRANCISCO — A Stanford University student has filed a lawsuit against the university alleging a lax response to reports of sexual abuse.

The San Jose Mercury News reports that the lawsuit claims a male student victimized at least four young women during his undergraduate years.

The plaintiff identified in the lawsuit as “Ms. Doe” says the man identified only as “Mr. X” assaulted her in 2014.

The lawsuit says her allegation was confirmed by a Stanford investigation later that year.

The university says in a statement it feels “deep sympathy” for the plaintiff and suggested the case was difficult to pursue because one or more of the alleged victims did not want to cooperate in its investigation.

Stanford is under federal investigation for its handling of sexual assault cases.