Nova Southeastern admits accused Cornell student, says it didn't know of rape allegations

Nova Southeastern University in Florida admitted Jonathan Newell, 21, accused in a 2024 Cornell gang rape lawsuit, claiming it was unaware of the allegations at the time of admission. Students have organized protests for Oct. 14 and 15 demanding his expulsion. Newell, a former Cornell student expelled after the incident, allegedly raped a female student with others after pressuring her to take ketamine and alcohol, per the lawsuit. NSU President Harry K. Moon said the school acted immediately upon learning of the reports but is restricted by federal privacy laws. Newell grew up in Davie, Florida, and attended NSU’s prep school for nearly his entire education, graduating in 2023. The lawsuit has sparked national outrage over campus rape handling, with NSU parents and students voicing concerns about his admission.