Judge: Woman’s sex assault lawsuit against UI can continue

A federal judge says a woman’s lawsuit against the University of Idaho for allegedly placing her at higher risk of sexual assault can move forward.

U.S. District Judge David Nye made the ruling Wednesday, saying former diver Mairin Jameson can continue suing the school for allegedly mishandling previous complaints made against a football player who later assaulted Jameson.

But the judge said Jameson’s claim that the school then mishandled her own report of sexual assault in 2013 was past the statute of limitations, and so must be dismissed.

University of Idaho spokeswoman Jodi Walker did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Jameson’s attorney Brook Cunningham said he and Jameson were pleased by the ruling.

Former University of Idaho Athletic Director Rob Spear was fired by the State Board of Education last year after a months-long investigation into how he handled complaints against the football player.