Nova Southeastern says it was unaware of Cornell rape allegations when admitting transfer student

Nova Southeastern University in Florida says it was unaware of rape allegations against Jonathan Newell, a transfer student accused in a 2024 Cornell University gang rape lawsuit, when he was admitted. Students have organized protests for Oct. 14 and 15 demanding his expulsion. Newell, 21, is one of seven men accused of raping a female student after pressuring her to take ketamine and alcohol, with a Snapchat message allegedly encouraging fraternity members to join in. He was expelled from Cornell, which includes expulsions on permanent transcripts, but NSU President Harry K. Moon stated the university only learned of the incident through media reports and acted immediately. Newell grew up in Davie, Florida, and attended NSU University School from preschool through graduation in 2023, where he earned academic honors and played lacrosse. A former classmate described him as "quiet" and studious, saying the community was "shocked" by the allegations. NSU cited federal privacy laws in declining to discuss his records.