The University of Virginia failed to promptly respond to and investigate reports of sexual violence, including those involving fraternities, the U.S. Department of Education said Monday.
The department’s Office for Civil Rights said its investigation determined that the university did not “promptly and equitability” respond to complaints of sexual violence. As a result, UVa was in violation of the federal antidiscrimination law known as Title IX, the OCR report found.
In some of the cases, according to the Education Department, the university did not promptly look into information regarding sexual violence cases involving fraternities. The report also found that the university’s sexual violence policies did not fully comply with Title IX because they did not provide a fair process either to alleged victims or accused students.
OCR also said “statements made by a university official that were broadcast on the university’s radio station in September 2014” created “a basis for a hostile environment for affected students.”
In addition, between 2008 and 2012, investigators found that the university’s Title IX coordinator “did not adequately oversee and coordinate all Title IX complaints and found that the university’s notice of nondiscrimination was not adequately distributed.”
The department said the university has since updated its policies and officials now consider them adequate. UVa agreed to make a series of changes to its sexual assault policies and procedures in order to resolve the Education Department’s investigation.
For example, the university will review all complaints heard by its sexual misconduct board between the 2011-12 and 2013-14 school years to determine whether they were handled appropriately. In addition, the university will submit to OCR for “review and approval” copies of all reports alleging sexual harassment and sexual violence for the previous and current school years.
“By signing the resolution agreement, we have reaffirmed our commitment to continue taking steps we believe to be an important part of effective responses to sexual harassment and assault -- urgent and complex societal issues of national importance that are challenging institutions of higher education and beyond,” UVa President Teresa A. Sullivan said in a statement provided by the department. “We have already implemented many of the measures identified in the agreement.”