Stanford student, 24, allegedly raped drunk girl in her dorm after walking her home from party

A 24-year-old Stanford student, Leo Rossitter, is due to face trial next month over charges relating to an alleged sexual assault of a woman in her dorm room after a party. The case has renewed debate about how Stanford handles sexual misconduct allegations and whether students facing serious charges should be allowed back on campus.

Prosecutors charged Rossitter in October 2024 with rape and oral copulation of an intoxicated person, and penetration by force. Stanford suspended him for two years following an internal Title IX investigation, and he became eligible to return this quarter. Rossitter’s lawyer says he is innocent and calls the allegations false; the woman has criticised what she described as slow responses from the university and prosecutors. Stanford says its process is designed to be thorough but can take too long, while some students say his return could pose a safety risk.