Federal lawsuit filed against Carleton College – UPDATED at 4:40pm with Release from Director of Media Relations Eric Sieger. See below
A recent Carleton College graduate filed a federal lawsuit on Monday against the college. The victim alleges she was raped twice and the college’s treatment of her caused even more trauma. In the 49 page lawsuit, filed under Title IX, it’s alleged that Carleton College continued to harm the woman by placing the burden on her to “get over the rapes, act as if nothing happened, and focus on her studies instead”, without offering her the help, services or accommodations she was entitled to. Neither men, identified as Student One and Student Two, were suspended or expelled.
The suit claims that Carleton forced her to live and attend classes “in a zone of danger” which denied her full educational opportunities and reasonable expectations of safety. The suit claims that the woman was violently raped during New Student Week in 2011 and by another student in 2013. The plaintiff is seeking compensatory damages and better policies toward victims. A call to the woman’s attorney, Barbara Berens, was answered by the Chief Operating Officer who would only confirm the suit. KYMN has obtained the full complaint. We will continue to follow this story. Carleton Director of Media Relations is in the process of sending out a press release. Full Release:
Statement from Carleton College:
Carleton College, as a general practice, does not comment on pending litigation.
Sexual assault and other forms of sexual misconduct have no place at Carleton and are not tolerated. These are real problems in our society, and the College works diligently to raise awareness with students and other community members about all types of sexual misconduct and to stop them before they occur. When we receive complaints, we take them seriously and have strong systems in place that provide a safe community where individuals are encouraged to report concerns and get the support they need.
A copy of our policy and procedures may be found at: https://apps.carleton.edu/dos/sexual_misconduct/
6 get stung in Sex-Trafficking case
A sex-trafficking sting nabbed 6 at the Days Inn in Faribault. Rice County Sheriff Troy Dunn said the operation involved officers, deputies and agents his office; Northfield, Faribault and Rochester police departments and the Cannon River Drug and Violent Offender Task Force. The undercover operation targeted subjects calling escort/prostitution advertisements on Backpage.com. Rice County Attorney John Fossum said 4 patrons and 2 prostitutes were arrested. Both purchasing and prostitution are gross misdemeanors, which holds a maximum penalty of 365 days and $3,000 fine. For patrons there’s a mandatory $1500 fine and a surcharge assessment that will be used for future stings and community education. Fossum says charges are pending as they put all the pieces together.
Staff and volunteer recognition, EDA work session and Fireworks
The Northfield City Council will recognize employees,volunteers and resigned or retired board and commission members this afternoon. The event starts at 5 in City Hall Chambers with a program beginning at 5:15pm. Council will then hold a work session at 6, with the EDA regarding Rebound Enterprise’s request for additional funding for their Hotel Project at The Crossings. They’ll then meet for a regular meeting at 7. On their agenda is an agreement with the Northfield Historical Society regarding the 4th of July Fireworks. This will be Administrator Ben Martig’s first Council meeting. Mayor Graham will be in studio tomorrow morning at 7:20 with a recap.
Northfield Rescue gears up for fundraising efforts
At the NAFRS monthly meeting, Rescue Squad Captain, Aramis Wells, gave a slideshow presentation on their kickoff to raise funds to replace truck #8120. This vehicle goes out on every call. The truck is 16 years old with obsolete equipment and tools. Wells said every truck they’ve had has been purchased through the VFW. They hope to order the $600,000 truck in 2019. Ideally they’ll be able to add another $100,000 worth of up-to-date tools. The presentation is posted on the NAFRS website. Look on the right side of the front page and click on their link.
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