Government investigates UT’s handling of sexual assault Hayley Brundige Photo Editor
As of June 29, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights began investigating UT’s response to sexual violence. In a July 16 email to UT faculty, staff and students, Chancellor Jimmy Cheek revealed that an individual filed a complaint against the univer-
sity in regard to the handling of a case of sexual violence. The complaint alleges that UT “engaged in discrimination on the basis of sex by failing to promptly and adequately respond to (a) report of sexual violence,” according to a June 29 letter from OCR to UT President Joe DiPietro. Due to privacy laws, the university cannot reveal details of the case, but Cheek said in his email that UT
“will cooperate fully” with the OCR investigation. According to the OCR, there are 135 sexual violence cases currently under investigation at 121 postsecondary institutions, as of July 15. Other universities on that list include UT Chattanooga — where two investigations are currently open — and Vanderbilt University. During the past academic year, several reports of sexual violence
have surfaced, leading the administration to launch a task force devoted to rewriting the university’s sexual assault and misconduct policies. After months of discussion, the task force has presented the final Policy on Sexual Misconduct, Relationship Violence and Stalking. In his July 16 email, Cheek announced that the new policy will take effect on August 19.
Belting for the Brits Chattanooga: the tale of a national tragedy >>See page 2
“Surely we didn’t run out of accomplished alumni to celebrate.” >>See page 6
Butch Jones addresses sexual assault on campus >>See page 11
The UT Chamber Singers are on a journey to sing in historic churches 4,133 miles across the “Pond.” Before the group of 46 students left, they talked about their hopes and worries. >> See page 10 Taylor Gash • The Daily Beacon
Volume 129 Issue 8
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Wednesday, July 22, 2015