UCD medical student who claims she was raped by fellow student appeals High Court dismissal of case
A UCD medical student is appealing a High Court dismissal of her case against the university regarding its handling of her academic progression following an alleged rape. The appeal focuses on whether the university correctly applied its regulations concerning extenuating circumstances for missed exams.
Why it matters
The case raises important questions about institutional accountability and the support provided to students who are victims of sexual violence.
A UNIVERSITY COLLEGE Dublin (UCD) medical student who claims she was raped by a fellow student has begun her appeal against the High Court’s dismissal of her case against the university.
The Court of Appeal heard submissions from both sides today before reserving judgment until the next legal term, likely in October.
The student’s counsel argued UCD misapplied its own academic regulations after accepting that exceptional circumstances had affected her exam performance.
The student originally sued UCD over its handling of her academic progression after she alleged she was raped by another medical student in February 2023.
She claimed the university failed to make reasonable allowances after the alleged assault and subsequent pregnancy, forcing her to choose between continuing her studies and accessing healthcare.
In April, the High Court dismissed her action, finding UCD had acted lawfully and had not breached its own policies or discriminated against the student.
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