“John Doe” exits the Joel W. Solomon Federal Building for lunch on Tuesday.The college student who is suing Sewanee: The University of the South over his treatment during a rape accusation testified Thursday.
In U.S. District Court in Chattanooga, attorney Elisha King asked the 22-year-old, identified in court papers as “John Doe,” about the accusation that led to his expulsion in 2008. King asked Doe to explain when he learned he was being investigated and how he felt through the process.
“I was outraged. I tried to tell [Dean Eric Hartman] how this just couldn’t be true,” Doe said. “Honestly, I was really stunned by the whole situation.”
Doe is seeking $3 million for damage to his reputation.
Through nearly two hours of testimony, Doe remained calm and answered questions in a measured tone, twice dabbing moisture from his upper lip with tissue paper. He will be back on the stand this morning.