skip navigation

NEW Report Finds Students ‘Responsible’ For Sexual Assaults Face Modest Penalties (Center for Public Integrity)


Originally published in:
Center for Public Integrity, Sexual Assault on Campus
02/24/2010

A Culture of Indifference
Students 'Responsible' For Sexual Assaults Face Modest Penalties, While Victims Are Traumatized; Education Department Watchdog Rarely Sanctions Schools

Students found "responsible" for sexual assaults on campus often face little or no punishment from school judicial systems, according to a year-long investigation by the Center for Public Integrity, Sexual Assault on Campus.

According to a new series of stories in the Center's investigation, research shows that repeat offenders actually account for a significant number of sexual assaults on campus, contrary to the beliefs of those who adjudicate these cases.

"The full extent of campus sexual assault is often hidden by secret proceedings, shoddy record-keeping, and an indifferent bureaucracy," said Center for Public Integrity Executive Director Bill Buzenberg. "Yet these are serious crimes that go largely unpunished. This is a troubling area of campus life that lacks much needed transparency and accountability."

The new series of stories in the Center's investigation include:

A Lack of Consequences for Sexual Assault: Students Found “Responsible” Face Modest Penalties, While Victims are Traumatized >

Lax Enforcement of Title IX In Campus Sexual Assault Cases: Feeble Watchdog Leaves Students at Risk, Critics Say >

LEARN more about The Center’s Sexual Assault on Campus Project >

TAKE ACTION on your campus through the V-DAY & SAFER Campus Accountability Project >