Sexual Assaults Occur at Universities (National)

ATLANTA (AP) -- Colleges are highly encouraged to interrogate sexual assault reports. Some critics see these issues are being abused. Now federal guidance on this issue is not wanted.

In 2011, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights delivered disciplinary actions required to solve any issues regarding sexual assault.

Expectations for schools to do more about a sexual assault increases continuously. Until 2013, complaints have been kept under 20 each year. Today, the Office of Civil Rights report that there are 241 cases at 190 postsecondary schools.

According to ABC and the Washington Times, “The situation has created conflict between universities, regulators, lawmakers and other stakeholders, and dozens of mostly male college students say they've been unfairly punished.” Several schools are sued due to gender discrimination and unfair measures of discipline.

Attorney Andrew Miltenberg believes schools should “revisit” guidelines and various disciplines for sexual assault. He agrees one sexual assault is too many, but also adds that “one wrongful conviction or wrongful finding of responsibility is too many."

Many involved in working with rights in education agree sexual assault reports should be more thoroughly investigated to avoid wrongful accusations of the accused. They feel there are too many who face unfair discipline and gender discrimination.

State Rep. Earl Ehrhart, head of a higher education panel, shares the importance of “pushing back” if impending federal funds are being pursued. "It's so against what we stand for in this country, convicting someone without a fair process," states Ehrhart.

Reason:

Sexual assault, unfortunately, is not necessarily an uncommon problem. I chose this story because of the impact it may have the lives of the student, their parents, and others they may be close to. Reading news like the one above also applies to universities all across the U.S.; therefore, it’s news people may want to hear about. Another part includes the emotional aspect because I’m sure many have run into an encounter with sexual assault or knows someone who has, which makes me feel incredibly repulsed.