CHINA TOPIX

11/22/2024 06:39:25 am

Make CT Your Homepage

Harvard Law School Violated Sexual Harassment Laws

Sexual Harassment Policy

(Photo : hladmission.com) The Harvard Law School agrees to overhaul its sexual harassment policy after education authorities found violations.

Harvard Law School would change the way student sexual harassment complaints are handled after federal investigators concluded the school was in violation of laws, the U.S. Department of Education announced on Tuesday.

The prestigious school consented to the changes as education authorities check colleges and universities, which receive public funding, on how they deal with allegations of campus sexual offenses.

Like Us on Facebook

An investigation by the Education Department's Office for Civil Rights found Harvard Law School in violation of Title IX laws, which are measures to put an end to sexual harassment and discrimination at publicly funded schools. The agency said Harvard Law consented to rework policies and procedures.

An Office for Civil Rights assistant secretary congratulated Harvard Law for committing to follow the letter of Title IX and end a long probe into sexual violence on campus.

Authorities said, in the investigation report, Harvard Law administrators failed to properly address two complaints of sexual assault from students. One of them is a case involving an accused who was cleared on appeal, but the complainant was barred from taking part in the process.

Education officials said a probe into Harvard College was still underway and separate from the recently concluded investigation of the law school.

In a statement to media, Harvard said it stepped up a campaign to end sexual violence in campus. The school said that it should do more and it could do more, beginning with a change in policies that took root two years ago.

Under a deal with the department, Harvard Law School will train staff handling complaints in proper Title IX procedures and disclose such incidents to authorities.

In November, Rolling Stone published a story about a supposed gang rape that took place at the University of Virginia. The article coupled with complaints of sexual abuse against comedian Bill Cosby, have drummed up public attention on sexual assault.

Rolling Stone admitted this month that it committed mistakes in publishing the University of Virginia article.

Real Time Analytics