Marshall expels convicted student facing 2 more rape charges
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Marshall University in West Virginia on Wednesday expelled a student who had been allowed to remain enrolled despite a conviction for a 2016 attack where he was accused of raping a female schoolmate.
The college’s decision comes as 22-year-old Joseph Chase Hardin faces new sexual assault charges involving two additional women as well as media scrutiny on the case and the school’s handling of the situation.
“I have zero tolerance for inappropriate, illegal behaviour, and pledge that we will always treat sexual misconduct and violence with the utmost gravity. The safety of our students is our first obligation,” said Marshall University President Jerome A. Gilbert.
The college says Hardin is being expelled now because he violated school rules on sexual misconduct.