Feds Probing USF Over Handling Of Sexual Violence Case: Report

TAMPA, FL — A federal investigation is underway into the University of South Florida's handling of a student's sexual violence complaint over the summer, according to a new report. The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights sent a letter to university President Judy Genshaft last week saying it plans to look into the university's response to the student's case — specifically whether it was handled in a fair and timely manner.

The office asked the university for papers on how it publishes its procedures and trains workers to report and probe sexual violence complaints, the Tampa Bay Times reported. Details about the student's case and the ensuing investigation weren't disclosed, the newspaper said, but the letter cited part of a Title IX law that states:

"Each recipient shall designate at least one employee to coordinate its efforts to comply with and carry out its responsibilities under these Title IX regulations, including any investigation of any complaint communicated to such recipient alleging its noncompliance with these Title IX regulations or alleging any actions that would be prohibited by these Title IX regulations. The recipient shall notify all its students and employees of the name, office address, and telephone number of the employee or employees appointed pursuant to this paragraph."

It also states:

"A recipient shall adopt and publish grievance procedures providing for prompt and equitable resolution of student and employee complaints alleging any action that would be prohibited by these Title IX regulations."

The office asked for papers specifically involving the student who filed the complaint, including materials related to its investigation, interviews and notes. The university has a month to return the documents, the newspaper said.

The university said in a statement it is confident its resources and procedures show it's committed to a safe and healthy campus, the newspaper reported.

For the full article, head over to the Tampa Bay Times.

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