PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A Villanova University student who was sexually assaulted in a dorm room nearly three years ago has released a statement for the first time since a fellow student accused of filming the assault announced he will not walk at graduation in May.
His decision came after a Change.org petition supporting the victim’s request to cut him from the commencement ceremony reached more than 20,000 signatures.
“By joining this petition, you stand with the survivor, supporting justice for the violated and adamant about ensuring that the University campus remains a safe environment for all students,” it read.
But the victim had requested Villanova University to amend the ceremony, and in a statement said, “He chose not to walk after seeing the outrage of the public. The university did not prevent him. That distinction matters.”
The assault happened in a dorm room in 2022 when the woman was unconscious. According to the victim’s attorney, the woman recently learned that the man who videotaped it and helped carry her body to a bathroom was going to graduate with her.
Her attorney, Jay Edelstein, said she spoke to her shortly after the student made his decision.
“I thought she would be somewhat enthused by it, but she said to me “‘Y’know, Villanova hasn’t done anything yet. Not only did I have to go through this sexual assault, but the fact that they just won’t do anything is so upsetting to me.’”
She also said in her statement, which Edelstein approved but did not edit or influence, “While this outcome offers a measure of relief, it does not absolve Villanova University of its responsibility. Villanova has yet to take a clear, public stance for survivors and show that they will choose courage over comfort, action over silence.”
Before the man decided not to walk, Villanova officials said they were "seeking an outcome that will offer care and respect for the survivor and ensure [she] can participate fully in commencement."
One man was charged and pleaded guilty. Two other students who police say were there when the attack took place were not charged, but they're named in a civil lawsuit, along with Villanova.
Villanova students are reportedly planning a demonstration on Saturday, which is also Admitted Students Day, to demand response from university administrators. In her statement, the victim thanked the student body and broader community for their support, concluding, “We’ve started something powerful. Let’s keep going.”
In a statement, Villanova said nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of its entire community.
"We understand and share the concerns raised over the last couple of days as we fully recognize how harmful this situation has been for survivors and victims of sexual assault, for their families and friends, and for the community as a whole," the university wrote. "To be absolutely clear – we abhor the behavior surrounding the assault that occurred in 2022. There is no place for sexual violence on our campus or in our world."
The university says it has a variety of existing sexual violence prevention, response and awareness trainings and policies in place.
"We have done and will continue to do everything in our power to prevent these events from occurring in our community, and when they do, our priority is always for the healing of the survivor and the well-being of the community as a whole. Community is central to who we are as a University, and we will always take a proactive approach to sexual violence prevention, education and training."
Victim's full statement:
First and foremost, I want to thank every single person who has stood beside me throughout this incredibly difficult journey. Whether you signed a petition, sent an email, gave an interview, or simply held space for this story—your support has meant more than I can put into words. I would not be where I am today without the unwavering strength of my classmates and our broader community. This progress was not made alone. It was made together.
Because of all of you, change has happened. The student who recorded the assault will not walk at graduation. But let me be clear: this decision was not made by Villanova University—it was made by that student himself. He chose not to walk after seeing the outrage of the public. The university did not prevent him. That distinction matters.
While this outcome offers a measure of relief, it does not absolve Villanova University of its responsibility. Villanova has yet to take a clear, public stance for survivors and show that they will choose courage over comfort, action over silence. Villanova must be held accountable—not just in this moment, but always. They must stand up for victims not only when pressured, but as a matter of principle and policy.
Yes, change was made for me. But the goal has never been change for one. It’s always been change for all —for every student who comes after me, who deserves to feel safe, supported, and protected.
We’ve started something powerful. Let’s keep going.