Dive Brief:
- The U.S. Department of Education released its findings from an investigation into Michigan State University’s handling of Title IX complaints, calling for a series of actions as part of a resolution agreement.
- The Office of Civil Rights found Michigan State may have created a hostile environment for some students and employees during its review period of 2009 to 2014 because of slow response rates and policy deficiencies.
- The Chronicle of Higher Education reports the resolution agreement will require Michigan State to revise its nondiscrimination notice and conduct trainings for staff and students, as well as update training materials relating to sexual assault and harassment for athletes, and a statement from university president Lou Anna K. Simon cited ongoing efforts to improve.
Dive Insight:
The Office of Civil Rights has said it tries to wrap up investigations within 180 days. In the case of Michigan State, the first complaint was received June 9, 2011, and the second, which was folded into an ongoing investigation, arrived Jan. 29, 2014. The office’s backlog has prompted a request for nearly $31 million dollars to hire 200 more lawyers and investigators. The Chronicle cites about 130 colleges and universities under investigation. At many institutions, the investigation itself prompts new policies and training initiatives, leaving the OCR’s final report to detail changes that have already been made along with required responses.