By Howard Packowitz

NORMAL – A former Illinois State University student claims in a million dollar federal lawsuit he’s the victim of sex discrimination because of the school’s mishandling of false sexual assault allegations against him.

A news release from John Doe’s attorneys says their client’s academic and professional prospects have been shattered from the false accusations made by female undergraduate students. John Doe was reportedly suspended and forced to withdraw from ISU, causing severe emotional and physical distress.

He’s identified as John Doe in court records to protect his privacy and reputation.

Bloomington lawyer Mark Johnson said ISU went ahead with “deeply flawed and biased” disciplinary proceedings even though prosecutors opted not to file criminal charges.

“The McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office elected not to pursue any criminal charges whatsoever against our client. They made the right call,” Johnson said.

“We believe that ISU did not make the right judgment call by pressing charges administratively against our client.”

Johnson said his client has been fighting the false allegations for more than a year.

“Since that time, our client has been required to withdraw from Illinois State University. He’s been working at menial labor jobs ever since then despite having completed three successful years at ISU with an unblemished record,” Johnson also said.

An ISU spokesman said it’s standard practice for the university not to comment on pending litigation.

The lawsuit seeks more than $1 million in damages from ISU, alleging John Doe was denied his due process rights, and the school is also accused of violating Title IX statutes, which bar sexual discrimination in federally-funded schools.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]