Princeton University blew off male student's rape complaint, lawsuit claims

PRINCETON — Princeton University says a gender discrimination lawsuit filed against it by a former graduate student is meritless and contains a series of inaccurate accusations.

A student dubbed John Doe filed the lawsuit in federal court in New Jersey on Thursday. He alleges because he's a man the university didn't take seriously his reports that he was sexually assaulted twice by a man he was dating or that he had attempted suicide.

Princeton received notice of the lawsuit Friday. It says the lawsuit repeatedly mischaracterizes how it handled the student's case. It says it "responds seriously and compassionately to victims of sexual misconduct and to all students who need support."

The student's lawsuit seeks financial damages.

Princeton says it's confident it will prevail.