The campus of the University of the South in Sewanee.
A $3 million breach-of-contract lawsuit against the Sewanee: The University of the South by a former student accused of an alleged rape began this morning in federal court.
Attorneys wrapped up jury selection before a 90-minute lunch break. Seven women and two men comprise the nine-member jury.
The plaintiff, identified only as John Doe in court documents, is suing Sewanee for negligence and breach of contract, claiming he received no due process when forced to leave following a university ruling on the alleged rape.
He seeks money for the damage to his reputation and loss of future earnings.
On Aug. 29, 2008, Doe and an 18-year-old female freshman had sexual intercourse in his dorm room, according to court documents. The woman, identified as A.B., stayed for a few hours after the act, then upon leaving at about 7 a.m., called police to report she had been raped by Doe.