A sexual violence investigation has been launched against Western by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR), following a complaint issued by a student against the university. The investigation into the alleged Title IX violation was launched on Friday, April 17, according to an email from the OCR. As of Wednesday, April 29, 119 sexual violence cases were under investigation at 109 institutions. “Western cares deeply about ensuring a safe environment for its students, faculty and staff, and does not and will not tolerate sexual violence, or any form of violence or harassment,” Western Office of Communications Director Paul Cocke said. The university welcomes the opportunity to learn and examine its current safety standards, Cocke said. “[Title IX] prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities in federally funded schools at all levels,” according to the OCR Title IX Resource Guide. Further information regarding the complaint and investigation cannot currently be disclosed, Cocke said. The Western Front will update this story as more information becomes available.
