The University of Southern California is facing a federal investigation for alleged failures by school officials and campus police to prosecute rape.
In response to a Title IX complaint filed in May, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights launched the inquiry on June 26, although complainants only received notice over the weekend that the investigation had begun. A group of 13 students, along with several other unnamed students, claim they suffered from extensive failures on the part of USC administrators and the Department of Public Safety in responding to reports of sexual violence on campus.
OCR program manager Charles R. Love confirmed in a letter to USC student Tucker Reed, obtained by The Huffington Post, that the agency is investigating allegations the university failed to prosecute and adjudicate claims of sexual violence and to respond promptly to complaints of harassment on campus. Such failures would be violations of Title IX, a federal gender equality law.
Jody Shipper, USC Title IX coordinator and executive director of the Office of Equity and Diversity, said the university “remains vigilant in addressing any issues promptly and fully as they arise,” and has been reviewing its policies to ensure they comply with federal law.
Source: Huffington Post