Student Suing NU Files Lawsuit Against Professor, Too

The Northwestern junior who earlier this month filed a lawsuit against the school after she said it failed to act on her sexual harassment case against a professor has now filed a civil suit against the professor in question, as well, according to an article in the Daily Northwestern.

The university stated in court papers from the original suit that philosophy professor Peter Ludlow spent an evening in Chicago drinking with the then freshman, kissed her and slept in his bed with her.

In the newer lawsuit, filed Wednesday, the student is suing Ludlow under the Gender Violence Act, saying that his actions were committed in part because of her gender, the Daily Northwestern story says.

Related: Northwestern says prof kissed, slept next to student

Northwestern says in court papers that it disciplined Ludlow for his actions, including rescinding an appointment for an endowed professor position. He remains employed by the school.

Shortly after the evening in question, the student attempted suicide and was hospitalized and diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, the court papers state. She also missed classes for fear of running into Ludlow and had panic attacks so severe that she couldn’t leave home at times.

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