A number of women have filed a complaint against the University of Connecticut, claiming the institution neglected and mishandled reports of sexual assault.
Now, the U.S. Office for Civil Rights will investigate the complaint, according to local media.
In October, seven students filed a federal Title IX complaint, with the help of advocates from the organization End Rape On Campus (EROC) and lawyer Gloria Allred.
Title IX is a U.S. federal law “that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity that receives federal funding.”
The complaint alleges that the school did not respond effectively or promptly to students’ complaints of sexual violence.
One of the women, Kylie Angell, said she was raped by a classmate. The UConn alumni said the student was initially expelled, but was able to return to school just days later.
While testifying at a hearing in November, Angell said the university staff “do not support victims.” She also said that the university discouraged her from reporting the rape to police.
A notification to the university from the U.S. Office for Civil Rights stated that the University of Connecticut receives federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education, making it subject to Title IX.
According to reports, the university welcomed the investigation:
“We look forward to working with their staff as they examine the policies and practices that UConn employs to prevent sexual assault and discrimination, to educate our community on these important issues, and to provide victims with the resources they need,” said Richard Orr, general counsel for UConn, in a written statement.
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