Baylor University settled a federal lawsuit with a former student on Thursday following an alleged 2015 rape at an off-campus party. The terms and details of the settlement were not released.
The university released a statement following the settlement stating “Baylor University is pleased that the parties were able to resolve this dispute in an amicable fashion. We are unable to comment further regarding this particular claim out of respect for the student’s privacy.”
On February 28, 2015, the plaintiff alleges she was drugged at an off-campus party at a rugby house where she was subsequently raped.
The lawsuit referenced the university as “a hunting ground for sexual predators to freely prey upon innocent, unsuspecting female students, with no concern of reprisal or consequences”, claiming that school officials have ignored rape claims for years.
The victim’s mother called Baylor’s Title IX office the day after the alleged assault and was told that up to five other women had been assaulted at the same off-campus house, reports CBS Sports.
The plaintiff met with Patty Crawford, Baylor’s Title IX coordinator at the time of the alleged rape, and Ian McRary, a now former Title IX investigator. The plaintiff was sent photos to identify her alleged assailant.
After five weeks of communication, correspondence stopped and an administrative hearing was never scheduled. Crawford later resigned in October 2016, stating she did not have the “authority, resources or independence” to effectively do her job.
The alleged victim’s attorney stated that she did not file a police report out of embarrassment, later dropping out of Baylor and moving out of state.
Once the lawsuit was filed, Baylor attempted to have it dismissed, saying that they should not be held accountable since it did not occur on campus and was out of their control.
Just prior to the alleged assault, the school issued a press release outlining six strategies it would adopt in regards to handling sexual violence.
The Waco Tribune reported that Baylor is currently facing five other Title IX lawsuits and has already settled with three other alleged victims who did not file lawsuits.
As of May 2016, the school has replaced its president, athletic director, and football coaching staff.
