Investigating the handling of sexual assault involving collegiate student-athletes

Investigating the handling of sexual assault involving collegiate student-athletes Public Deposited

Last Modified

Creator

Krause, Victoria
- Affiliation: College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Exercise and Sport Science

Abstract

Sexual assault on college campuses is a growing issue in the United States. In May 2014, the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights released a list of 57 schools that are currently being investigated for their handling of sexual violence cases. In 2016 that number has risen to over 100 schools. In 2011, the Office of Civil Rights published the Dear Colleague Letter on Sexual Harassment. This document provided schools with the necessary information to remain Title IX compliant when faced with sexual assault allegations. In 2014, the NCAA issued guidance to athletic departments regarding their role during sexual assault investigations. This study reviewed 39 cases of sexual assault committed by a student-athlete. Information was complied to determine what errors (if any) were committed by the school or athletic department during the investigations. The study found 21 unique errors committed by the schools; eighteen of those were committed by multiple schools.

Date of publication