3 New Jersey Colleges Investigated For Sex Violence On Campus

The U.S. Department of Education is now reportedly investigating at least three New Jersey colleges for the way they handle sex-assault cases.

Tara Peters, a Monmouth University spokeswoman, confirmed the federal Office of Civil Rights (OCR) is investigating the college for allegedly violating federal law during its handling of sexual violence on campus.

The OCR is investigating a 22-year-old student's claim that school administrators failed to discipline a male student accused of rape in 2014, according to The Asbury Park Press.

The notification, Peters said, "in no way implies that OCR has made a determination with regard to its merit."

"We are confident in our protocols and are fully prepared to cooperate with the investigation," she said.

Monmouth University is among several New Jersey schools that receive federal funding and, therefore, must have appropriate protocols for addressing sexual violence and harassment under Title IX.

A probe at Rider University was launched in April, and investigations at Seton Hall and Princeton University have taken place within the last two years.

However, Min Pullan, a spokeswoman for Princeton University, said she's not aware of any active cases against the college. But even if there were, she said, she wouldn't be able to comment.

Title IX states that no person shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

The OCR determined two years ago that Princeton violated Title IX for failing to promptly and equitably respond to complaints of sexual violence, including sexual assault, and also failing to end the sexually hostile environment for one student.

The OCR said that it had entered into a resolution agreement to ensure compliance with Title IX as it applies to sexual harassment and violence. The action follows an OCR investigation which found Princeton to be in violation of Title IX.

The federal Department of Education opened an investigation last month into how Rider University handles sexual assault and harassment complaints, according to nj.com.

The investigation follows reports of at least two unrelated sexual assaults in Rider dormitories last fall and the arrest of a Hamilton man who allegedly touched two women as they slept, according to an Asbury Park Press report.

Seton Hall spokeswoman Laurie A. Pine offered a statement to Patch:

“Seton Hall University takes complaints of sexual assault very seriously. It is our policy to respond to such complaints in full compliance with the law. The University undertook a thorough investigation of this matter and is fully cooperating with the Office of Civil Rights in its subsequent review. Seton Hall respects the rights and privacy of all those involved in these types of complaints."

Rider officials told nj.com that the federal investigation was sparked by a complaint, although neither federal officials nor a university spokeswoman would give any details.

Kristine Brown, a university spokeswoman, also released this statement to nj.com:

"Rider University is aware of the complaint that was filed with the U.S. Department of Education...Rider University is committed to building and maintaining an academic environment that is free from sexual violence, sexual harassment and discrimination and has worked tirelessly with the campus community to develop resources and processes that are effective, accessible, fair and equitable compliant with its obligations under Title IX."

Monmouth University said the university is cooperating with federal officials, but that doesn't mean the college has broken any laws.

“The safety and security of all members of our campus community is a top priority. Monmouth university prohibits all forms of sexual misconduct and we have a rigorous and exhaustive protocol and support process to ensure that reporting, counseling, and physical and mental health concerns are addressed. When these procedures were called into question in media reports in early March, we immediately sought an independent, external review to comprehensively examine our processes and procedures to ensure that our resources are focused effectively on the well-being of our campus community."

The student, who will graduate this month, told The Asbury Park Press she filed the complaint to help other students who may face similar situations.

"It makes me feel better to know that at least another girl, or even guy, who has to go through the same experience (with the university) ... it'll be better and easier for them," said the student, now a senior. "There are clearly things going on at the university that the student body really deserves to be made aware of."