STONY BROOK, N.Y. – Stony Brook University is being investigated for failing to comply with Title IX requirements when handling cases of sexual violence.
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights began its investigation against the university on July 23 as a result of a complaint that an individual filed with the office, The Statesman reports. The department will not disclose any case-specific facts or details during the investigation.
Earlier this year, Raul Sanchez, left his position of former senior director for Title IX and Risk Management after less than a year. On June 5, the university hired Marjolie Leonard, the interim director of the Office of Diversity and Affirmative Action, to replace Sanchez.
In 2012, SBU received a $270,000 grant by the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women for its sexual assault prevention programs. In the same year, 17 forcible sexual offenses were reported on the campus – four more than in 2011 and 10 more than in 2010.
If the OCR determines SBU violated the Title IX law, the office will try to get the university to reach a resolution agreement. The OCR would then monitor the university’s implementation of the terms of the agreement.
If the university refuses to negotiate an agreement, the OCR may cut off the university’s federal financial assistance or refer the case to the Department of Justice.