Federal Judge Unseals University of Montana Rape Discipline Case

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Recently unsealed court documents show that a student accused of rape was expelled by the University of Montana after he unsuccessfully requested a federal judge intervene in the school's disciplinary proceedings.

U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen says he unsealed the case Tuesday against the wishes of the student and university officials because the university is a public institution. Christensen says he "can conceive of no compelling justification" to keep secret how the university disciplines students.

The case against the unnamed student is one of 11 that have come under scrutiny for the university's response to sexual assault allegations.

In May, Christensen denied the student's request for a temporary restraining order to halt the school's proceedings against him.

The University Court then voted unanimously voted to expel him.