Statements from colleges regarding sex assaults

Below are statements to NBC News from representatives of Wake Forest University and Indiana University in response to a May 19 report about sexual assaults on college campuses:

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Statement from Wake Forest University:

“Wake Forest University treats every student with integrity and compassion. Cases alleging sexual misconduct are among the most complex faced by university judicial systems. Wake Forest University personnel adhere to well-established policies and procedures that apply equally to all students, including both the victim and the accused. The University adheres to federal law that prevents us from discussing the details of this case but we feel strongly that the University’s response to the described incident has been misrepresented.”

Brett Eaton
Executive Director, News & Communication
Wake Forest University

Statement from Indiana University:

“Indiana University cannot release information about the specifics of this disciplinary proceeding because at least one of the students involved has not signed a FERPA waiver. 

This matter was thoroughly investigated by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Right the OCR’s  March 6, 2007, letter, which states: ‘Following the completion of the judicial process, the University suspended Student B from the University for the entire 2006-07 academic year…..’ That is the fact. This decision, made by the Dean of Students, was based solely on the facts of the case. ‘Based on the above, OCR concluded that the University acted promptly and appropriately upon receiving notice of sexual harassment of Student A….’  The key words here are ‘promptly and appropriately.’ 

This was a thorough review by an independent agency.  We believe the OCR reached the proper conclusion as to our handling of this case. 

We understand the pain and emotional trauma that victims of sexual assault suffer. As a university, we work very hard at educating and counseling students about sexual assault, in the hope that they will neither become perpetrators nor victims. When a sexual assault is reported to the university, we make a full range of services available to the victim, from counseling and advocacy to immediate medical care and treatment. Our campus police force is absolutely diligent in investigating sexual assault cases and developing evidence for criminal prosecution, if warranted.

But it also is important to note, in our student disciplinary process we must  treat both parties fairly.  We cannot automatically assume one party is right and one party is wrong.”

Larry MacIntyre
Assistant Vice President for University Communications
Indiana University