Boston College under investigation for possible Title IX violations
This is BC’s first filed Title IX investigation
Boston College accompanies over 160 colleges that are under federal investigation for possible Title IX violations over the handling of sexual violence and harassment complaints.
In a report, Katie O’Dair, BC’s Title IX coordinator, said: “This is the first time BC has been involved in an OCR investigation of a sexual violence complaint.”
This complaint follows a more than doubling of reported rapes at Boston College between 2013 and 2014, from 11 to 23. This specific case has been opened since December 4, 2015.
She added: “Boston College is fully cooperating with the OCR in its review.”
The U.S Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released a list on February 24th of the high education institutions under investigation for possible violations of federal law, specifically over the handling of sexual violence and harassment.
Title IX , a 1972 law, prohibits “discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance.”
A failure to comply to these regulations will result in the colleges to be investigated.
BC strongly encourages any student who believes he or she has been harassed or subjected to sexual misconduct to seek prompt assistance.
The Sexual Assault Network (SANet) is a private, anonymous hotline that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone affected by sexual violence. The hotline can be reached at 617-552-2211.
Every student at Boston College is allowed their rights under Title IX.