Student sues UVM for info on sex assault charges

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — A University of Vermont student has sued the school to get the details of a sexual assault allegation that has been made against him, court papers said.

The student, identified in federal court papers as John Doe, says he is being denied due process. He asked a federal judge to block UVM’s investigation or to dismiss the complaint.

In his complaint filed last week, the man says he was told June 10 that an allegation of sexual misconduct had been made against him, but other than the name of the person who made the charges against him, the date and the location of the alleged incident he was provided no details.

The public court filing did not name the woman who made the accusations.

The man is willing to meet with UVM officials to discuss the allegations, but he wants to know the details of the charges against him so he can properly prepare and be ready to respond. He claims he was told by the UVM official investigating the case he’d been provided with enough information to understand the allegations.

‘‘What happened on this night, we just want to know from her perspective and allow us the opportunity to prepare a defense, provide him the opportunity to speak meaningfully with his attorneys,’’ said the man’s attorney, Brooks McArthur.

‘‘It’s a complete mystery what the allegation is and what he may have engaged in under the misconduct policy,’’ McArthur said.

UVM spokesman Enrique Corredera said the school followed the best practices for investigating sexual misconduct complaints reflect the best practices.

‘‘The university is confident that its sexual misconduct policy and procedures fully comply with federal law,’’ Corredera said. ‘‘As such, we believe there is no basis for this lawsuit and we will move to have it dismissed.’’

McArthur said he would take every possible step to protect the identity of the accuser and any witnesses.