Loyola Seeks Dismissal In Assault Lawsuit

Loyola University has moved to dismiss one plaintiff from a federal sexual assault lawsuit filed by 10 former students.

Court documents filed Friday ask a federal judge for summary judgment on claims made by Jane Doe G, who joined the lawsuit in March 2023. The filing coincided with the court-ordered deadline for both parties to submit documents in the case. Loyola's attorneys argue her claims fall outside the statute of limitations by one year and lack evidentiary support. They also state that Jane Doe G was not deprived of educational opportunities, noting she graduated on time.

The lawsuit alleges Loyola systematically mishandled and underreported student complaints of sexual misconduct beginning in 2011. Jane Doe G alleges a 2019 incident involving a student who was suspended from his residence hall and later expelled. Court records show the expulsion occurred more than nine months after her initial report. Loyola states in its filing that it contacted her within 24 hours of her disclosure to a professor.

Ashley Pileika, an attorney with the Law Office of Darren Wolf representing the plaintiffs, said the university is attempting to treat the cases separately. "This case is not about individual incidents or assaults. It's about institutional accountability," Pileika said. She added that while Loyola has the right to defend itself, factual disputes remain for a jury to hear. Pileika disputes the university's claim regarding educational opportunities, citing participation in extracurricular activities and safety in residence halls.

Jane Doe G said she was not an isolated case. "I wasn't a one-off case. I was a victim of a serial assaulter at Loyola, and I wasn't the first victim," she said. She stated that the incident changed her physical health, noting she now experiences multiple stress-induced seizures.

A spokesperson for Loyola said he cannot comment on active litigation. The trial is scheduled for September of next year.