The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) will visit Hopkins next week to meet with students in focus groups as part of its investigation into the University’s Title IX policies and practices.
The OCR opened an investigation into the University’s actions following a complaint in the spring of 2014 after the administration did not inform the campus community of an alleged gang rape at Pi Kappa Alpha (PIKE) in 2013.
Hopkins is one of 104 colleges and universities under federal investigation for possible sexual violence violations under Title IX.
“JHU was notified by OCR that it was commencing a review of a Title IX complaint regarding JHU’s handling of, and response to, sexual violence issues,” a press release from Vice Provost for Student Affairs Kevin Shollenberger, Vice Provost and Chief Diversity Officer Caroline Laguerre-Brown and Title IX Coordinator Allison Boyle stated. “The University is cooperating with that investigation.”
Starting on March 31, the OCR will be conducting focus groups with students to discuss sexual harassment and sexual violence issues. These focus groups are a regular part of the investigation process, and the OCR will be taking notes throughout the discussions, although no individuals will be identified by name.
“Students are invited to participate and can comment on whatever aspects of the University’s handling of sexual harassment and sexual violence cases they wish,” the press release stated.
Freshman Jessica Wu said that although she does not plan on attending a focus group session, she supports the investigation.
“As soon as I got into JHU, I got in touch with my old friend from high school who goes here, and her one piece of advice was not to go to parties due to the gang rape,” Wu said. “I feel like parties are a big part of college life that I’m missing out on, but I’m safeguarding myself.”
Before the OCR’s investigation was launched, the University had been working for more than a year to enhance policies, programs and resources regarding sexual violence.
“We have brought new policies, programs and response procedures online as they have been readied, and we have kept students and the rest of the campus community regularly informed as we have done so,” the press release said.
According to the press release, for the 2014-15 academic year, the University has established a new process to ensure clear and rapid assessment of the need to provide security related to the campus community. It also announced a new position that would ensure compliance with the Clery Act security notification requirements and an expansion of the 24/7 helpline to cover all Hopkins campuses in the area.
According to the press release, the University does not know when the OCR will conclude its review. If Hopkins is found culpable of violating Title IX policies, the University could potentially lose all federal funds. In most cases, however, Title IX investigations conclude with the university in question making changes to its current policies to comply with federal law in a resolution agreement.
