Suit Against New Jersey School Over Sex Charges Can Proceed

A lawsuit against William Paterson University over its handling of sex assault charges against five male students will be allowed to proceed.

The five were charged in 2014 but a Passaic County grand jury declined to indict them.

Two of the students sued, alleging the school failed to conduct a proper investigation and caused them financial and emotional damage.

A federal judge dismissed some counts of the lawsuit Thursday but let others go forward. Among the counts that remain are claims of false arrest and imprisonment, breach of contract, infliction of emotional distress and negligence.

The judge’s ruling was made public late Friday.

A school spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Sunday. William Paterson usually doesn’t comment on legal matters.