{"id":22747,"date":"2016-04-22T10:56:33","date_gmt":"2016-04-22T17:56:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cjnotebook.com\/?p=22747"},"modified":"2016-04-22T11:26:03","modified_gmt":"2016-04-22T18:26:03","slug":"feds-university-failed-comply-law-reporting-sexual-assaults-students-reluctant-complain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cjnotebook.com\/?p=22747","title":{"rendered":"Feds: University Failed to Comply with Law for Reporting Sexual Assaults \u2014 Some Students Were Reluctant to Complain"},"content":{"rendered":"

NEW MEXICO<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Federal prosecutors today released the findings of what they say is a comprehensive investigation of the University of New Mexico’s handling of sexual assault reports.<\/span><\/p>\n

The federal investigation concluded that the university failed to comply with federal law.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Department\u201cCampus sexual assault and sexual harassment are civil rights issues,\u201d said U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez of the District of New Mexico.\u00a0<\/strong> \u201cThey are primarily perpetrated against women and undermine their basic rights.\u00a0 When perpetuated against students, sexual assault and sexual harassment deny them the right to live and learn in a safe educational environment.\u00a0 Colleges and universities are obligated to stop and prevent sexual violence against their students and to respond effectively when they receive reports of sexual assault.\u00a0 We appreciate the university\u2019s continuing efforts to address the serious deficiencies identified by our investigation so that we can improve the safety of women and other students and reduce barriers in education.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The investigation was launched on Dec. 5, 2014 in response to complaints to multiple students alleging that the university did not adequately respond to campus reports of sexual assault, according to officials.<\/span><\/p>\n

The U.S. Justice Department delivered a letter of its finding to the university’s president Robert G. Frank today.<\/span><\/p>\n

To read the letter click here: \u00a0U.S. Department of Justice<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The investigation was conducted under Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, both of which prohibit sex discrimination in education programs.<\/span><\/p>\n

The investigation examined the university’s policies and practices for preventing sexual assault and sexual harassment, as well as for investigating and responding to student complaints of sexual assault, sexual harassment and retaliation.<\/span><\/p>\n

The investigation found that although University of New Mexico had strengthened its response to sexual harassment and sexual assault over the past year, it remains out of compliance with Title IX and Title IV in key respects.<\/span><\/p>\n

The federal investigation, however, found\u00a0significant gaps in University of New Mexico’s procedures, training and practices for investigating and resolving allegations of sexual assault and harassment, resulting in a grievance process that complainants and respondents alike described as confusing, distressing and rife with delays.<\/span><\/p>\n

In focus groups and interviews for the investigation, many University of New Mexico students expressed reluctance to report sexual assault to the university because they lacked confidence in the school\u2019s response.<\/span><\/p>\n

The department also found that students who have experienced harassment and assault have difficulty accessing services and supports.\u00a0 Without appropriate supports in place, some of these students experienced severe and lasting educational impacts, including suspending their academic coursework, dropping out of extracurricular activities, losing scholarships and even withdrawing from UNM.<\/span><\/p>\n

The department found that UNM must take the following measures to fully comply with these laws:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n