A Carleton graduate has filed a lawsuit against the college regarding two rape cases, one when she was a freshman in 2011 and another when she was a senior in 2015.

According to the Star Tribune, the suit filed in federal court in Minneapolis accuses the college of mishandling the two cases. The woman, who is now 23, suffers from emotional and physical problems because of the assaults, according to the lawsuit.

In the report, the college declined to comment other than issuing this statement: "Sexual assault and other forms of sexual misconduct have no place at Carleton and are not tolerated." It also said that 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."

The first rape reportedly happened after a party in September 2011. Two days later the suspect apologized via Facebook. The victim then talked to a counselor but no complaint was filed until April 2012. After an investigation it was found the suspect had violated school policy regarding sexual assault. The woman said she was told the student who assaulted her was given a "no contact" order to stay away from her, but that he was neither suspended nor expelled from school. When she tried to appeal the decision, the college refused.

Three years later, she said she was raped by another student who put something in her drink. She stated a college adviser told her to not file a formal complaint because the accused student was a senior and would be gone in a couple of months.

No police reports were filed in either case. Under federal law, colleges and universities are required to investigate reports of sexual assault, even if they are not reported to police.

Again, according to the Star Tribune report, the lawsuit would require Carleton to impose a minimum of two-year suspensions on students found responsible for rape. It also seeks undisclosed damages for the plaintiff’s medical expenses, emotional distress and a refund of "all tuition, fees and residence charges" paid to Carleton on her behalf.

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