UNC unveils new policy for handling sex assault cases
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) -- It was more than a year ago when students stood on the steps of UNC's South Building, demanding changes to the way the university handles sex assault cases.
On Thursday, the university did just that, unveiling a new policy for discrimination, harassment and sexual assault on campus.
"I think that's one of the great things about this process," said Christi Hurt, the chair of the 22-member task force that developed the new policy. "We've been making changes for the past year. There's no denying today is significant in terms of having a new policy to move forward with."
A new website (http://sexualassaultanddiscriminationpolicy.unc.edu) is supposed to make it easier for students to understand what is considered misconduct and where victims can get support on campus.
The university says sex assault cases will be resolved differently. Instead of a student-led adjudication process, trained personnel will review complaints.
"This is a campus that has a community that really wants to be involved. The campus and the community that really can solve its problems, solve its challenges," added Hurt.
The new policy is UNC's attempt to comply with federal recommendations amid its own federal probe.
UNC recently made list of schools nationwide under investigation for possible violations of federal sexual assault and harassment laws.
Investigators with the U.S. Department of Education have visited the campus, conducting and multiple interviews after five women --both current and former students and one staff member-- filed a Title IX complaint.
They also alleged the university was underreporting sexual assaults.
A third federal discrimination complaint filed by UNC student Landen Gambill, one of the five original Title IX complainants, accused UNC of retaliation after Gambill faced possible disciplinary action from the school's honor court.
The federal agency has yet to announce its final decision on the confirmed last year that it was looking into allegations UNC mishandled sexual assault cases on campus, including underreporting the incidents.
Title IX investigations are meant to ensure students are not subject to discrimination based on their gender.
