Sarah Lawrence College Sued by Former Students Over Alleged Cult Leader

The lawsuit claims the college failed to protect students from Lawrence Ray, who was convicted of sex trafficking and forced labor charges.

Two former students are suing Sarah Lawrence College, alleging that the school failed to protect them from Lawrence Ray, who moved into his daughter’s dorm after getting out of prison and manipulated her friends and roommates into cult-like relationships.
Ray was convicted last year of charges including racketeering, conspiracy, forced labor and sex trafficking, and was sentenced in January to 60 years in prison.
The lawsuit alleges that Ray lived in the dorm for nearly an entire academic year, during which several students, community members and parents contacted the college to complain about Ray’s abusive behavior, yet the college did nothing to investigate or intervene.
The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages for their pain and suffering as well as health care costs and lost potential income.
Sarah Lawrence College has stated that it had no knowledge of Mr. Ray’s activities and will not comment on any aspect of the litigation.