Student sues URI, saying school failed to act after voyeurism incident

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) — A University of Rhode Island student has filed a lawsuit accusing the school of negligence and defamation over its handling of an alleged incident in which a man recorded her while she was showering in a campus bathroom earlier this year.

The complaint, filed last month in Rhode Island Superior Court, alleges URI and its Board of Trustees failed to take adequate security measures and then publicly misrepresented details of the case.

BACKGROUND: Man charged with video voyeurism after incident at URI

According to the complaint, the Portsmouth woman, whose name was not disclosed, was a freshman living in Adams Hall when she and her roommate went into the dorm’s fourth-floor unisex bathroom on April 29. After her roommate left, she began showering in one of the stalls.

She noticed a man she did not know, later identified as 29-year-old James Paquette, in the stall next to her. He appeared clothed, with his shoes still on and no water running. She then allegedly saw him holding a phone above the divider, either recording or taking photos of her.

The woman started yelling and confronted Paquette, at which point he apologized and fled, the complaint states. She immediately contacted URI and South Kingstown police who investigated the security footage, but the lawsuit claims URI failed to notify students or take steps to ensure Paquette could not return to campus.

The complaint also notes that several URI residence halls have gender-inclusive rooms with unisex restrooms. Each restroom has shower stalls separated only by curtains, which are “not private, have no locks and are not secure,” leaving students vulnerable to misconduct and privacy invasion. URI reportedly does not have any existing policies to prevent harassment or assault in those bathrooms, nor are there cameras in dorm common areas.

The woman identified Paquette from a photo lineup on May 1. He was arrested about three weeks later and charged with a felony count of video voyeurism. Court records show Paquette was released on $2,000 personal recognizance and ordered to stay away from URI. He was expected back in court in July.

MORE: Providence man accused of recording student in URI bathroom

According to the lawsuit, the woman felt “compelled” to leave her dorm after the incident and has not been able to live on campus since. She said she struggled to complete certain assignments and required accommodations to finish the semester.

12 News reported the incident and Paquette’s arrest on May 27. At the time, URI said he was not affiliated with the university and described it as “an isolated incident with one known victim.”

However, the woman claims URI “falsely, carelessly and negligently” suggested Paquette was known to her, which she argues harmed her reputation. This reportedly prompted her to file a Title IX complaint, but was told the office “had no jurisdiction over the matter.”

On June 5, URI informed her she no longer met eligibility requirements for her scholarships after a review of her academic record, which the lawsuit says is a negative action taken after she reported the incident.

She appealed, but said she wasn’t told that her aid was reinstated until after repeatedly asking about her status, causing additional stress. The university reportedly told her it “assumed” she had already been notified.

READ ALSO: At least five people captured on hidden camera in RIC bathroom

In the lawsuit, the woman accuses Paquette of assault, calling the incident a “depraved invasion” of her bodily integrity and right to privacy. She also accuses URI of negligence, defamation, breach of contract, violating her Title IX protections, and inflicting emotional distress.

The woman claims URI failed to exercise reasonable security measures in place on campus to protect her from the alleged assault. She also said the university deliberately and negligently made “baseless” statements and “clearly designed to impugn the Plaintiff’s credibility and reputation.” URI is accused of acting with “actual malice” and intentionally misled the general public to embarrass and discredit the woman’s reputation, according to the complaint.

Because of both the initial incident and URI’s actions afterward, the complaint states the woman continues to suffer severe emotional and mental distress. She is seeking compensation for all damages.

A URI spokesperson told 12 News the university is “unable to comment on pending litigation.”