DARTMOUTH, Mass. (AP) — A federal judge has ruled that a former student’s lawsuit against the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth for what he calls “constructive expulsion” can proceed to trial.
Fifty-five-year-old John Harnois alleges the university created a “bogus misconduct allegation” and “similar witch-hunt sexual misconduct investigation” after administrators discovered a felony he claims to have previously disclosed to the director of graduate studies and admissions.
The university said in a statement that the case is based on “a very low legal standard regarding burden of proof.”
The Standard-Times reports that Harnois will be allowed to pursue eight of the 19 filed counts including due process, free speech, defamation, Massachusetts civil rights law and breach of contract.
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