Blumenthal Statement On Department Of Education’s Release Of List Of Colleges With Open Title IX Sexual Violence Investigations

(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) issued the following statement after the Department of Education released a list of 55 higher education institutions that are currently under investigation for possible violations of Title IX over the handling of sexual violence and harassment complaints. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance.

“Although the Department of Education has confirmed these sorts of investigations in the past, today’s list provides much needed transparency about the ongoing work of the Department to curb campus sexual assault and raises public awareness about an issue affecting students on college campuses nationwide. While I think the Department of Education made the right decision by releasing this list, it needs to do better in bringing justice to student survivors by thoroughly and rapidly investigating these crimes. I am working on legislation to give the Department of Education additional enforcement tools it needs to bring schools that mishandle sexual assault cases into compliance with Title IX more swiftly.”

Blumenthal has hosted seven roundtable discussions about sexual assault with students, advocates, and school administrators at colleges and universities across Connecticut. He will release a report about the findings from these discussions in the coming weeks.