Villanova Student Removed From Campus After Assault Outcry, Won’t Walk At Graduation

Juan Eguiguren, a Villanova senior, was present during the assault of a female classmate, according to a lawsuit and campus petition. Rather than intervening, Eguiguren allegedly took photos of the incident and later slept in the same room, organizers of the campaign allege.

In the underlying case, Elijah Joseph Katzenell, 22, of Camp Hill, PA (according to the Pennsylvania State Police Megan's Law sex offender registry as of March 11, 2025; previously he resided in Clarksburg, Maryland) pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting the victim, court records show.

Katzenell, a former Villanova student, will not serve any prison time. Instead, he was sentenced to seven years of probation, one year of house arrest, lifetime registration as a sex offender, and a court order to stay away from both the victim and Villanova University.

Under Villanova’s 2024-25 Student Handbook, "intentionally inflicting or attempting to inflict, or conspiring to inflict bodily harm" is a serious violation that can lead to expulsion. Critics say Eguiguren’s actions clearly violate these standards and that the university must uphold its own code of conduct.

The situation sparked a petition demanding Villanova ban Eguiguren from participating in the commencement ceremony, the same ceremony his victim is expected to attend.

“This matter is deeply personal for us,” organizers wrote. “We demand accountability. We demand justice for the survivor.”

Following the petition and a Philly Magazine article, Villanova’s Department of Public Safety escorted Eguiguren off campus for his own protection around 1 a.m. on Tuesday, April 8, according to the victim’s attorney, Jay Edelstein, who spoke to Daily Voice the following day.

Later that day, Eguiguren, his family, and their attorney decided that he would not walk the stage at graduation, Edelstein said.

A protest had also been scheduled for Saturday, April 12, to demand Villanova University prevent Eguiguren from walking. Organizers announced the protest before Eguiguren withdrew, with plans to gather near the university campus.

The survivor issued a public statement Wednesday morning, thanking supporters and calling for deeper accountability.

"First and foremost, I want to thank every single person who has stood beside me throughout this incredibly difficult journey," she wrote. "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," she continued. "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," she said. "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."

Villanova University had not responded to requests for comment from Edelstein or Daily Voice as of publication, but later, Villanova University referred Daily Voice to its student newspaper, The Villanovan, for the most recent information but did not directly answer questions about disciplinary action.

Organizers continue urging Villanova students to send statements of support to studentadvocates0@gmail.com.

Other students who experienced assaults have also contacted Edelstein, he told Daily Voice. If lawsuits are filed in those cases, Daily Voice will continue to cover them. Follow us for updates.

Editor's Note: This article has been updated to include additional details about the convicted sexual offender Elijah Joseph Katzenell.

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