The U.S. Education Department has found that Princeton University violated Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 by not “promptly and equitably” responding to complaints of sexual assault, the department announced on Wednesday. The institution also failed to end a “sexually hostile environment” in the case of one student.
The university has already instituted a series of reforms that correct problems the department identified, including by resolving cases of sexual assault using the “preponderance of evidence” standard. But the university agreed to make further efforts, including:
- Providing a “comprehensive education and prevention program.”
- Developing a public-awareness program promoting bystander intervention.
- Improving communication with local law-enforcement officials.
Read the resolution letter and the agreement.
“We are pleased that this investigation has been concluded with an agreement that brings the University’s policies and procedures into compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements,” Christopher L. Eisgruber, Princeton’s president, said in a written statement. “The agreement reaffirms our commitment to address all matters of sexual misconduct in ways that are fair, effective, and transparent, and our determination to ensure a campus climate that places high priority on prevention and support, and on ensuring safety and freedom from discrimination for all members of our campus community.”
