YPSILANTI (WWJ) - Eastern Michigan University released an independent report to the public in its entirety on Friday afternoon in an effort to remain transparent about the university's handling of sexual misconduct allegations.
The report, conducted by Cozen O'Conner, sums up findings consistent with EMU's internal factual investigation and found no fault with the college's response to allegations of rape against three former students facing criminal charges in connection to several off-campus incidents between 2015 and 2019
EMU was slapped with a federal lawsuit in March of 2022 from 42 people who claim the school attempted to cover up their reports of alleged sexual assault - the lawsuit it currently in mediation
EMU sought out Cozen O’Connor’s Institutional Response Group in the fall of 2020 to conduct the review and determine if the university "had notice of potential misconduct by the three former students and what actions, if any, the University took based on available information."
The independent review took 20 months for Cozen O’Connor to conduct and examined the university's conduct in the context of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, and the policy enacted by EMU at the time of the alleged assaults.
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The report concluded that the school complied with federal laws.
Eastern Michigan University President James Smith said, “I am heartened to learn that the University appears to have acted appropriately within its level of knowledge with regard to these complaints. However, it is clear we have work to do with regard to creating comprehensive records of our investigations and case files, as well as increasing campus-wide training and education regarding Title IX.”
“Everyone in our campus community needs to understand what Title IX is, what it does, and – critically – who to talk to if they need help. All students, but particularly survivors of sexual assault, should feel supported and empowered here. We have allocated additional resources to Title IX to help us accomplish these goals, and are presently engaged in a wide-ranging effort in this regard, including stakeholders from around the university: students, faculty, and staff.”
Per the report, the significant factual findings are as follows:
"Although the University received at least one direct report of sexual assault regarding each of the three men who are currently facing criminal charges, in each case the report to the University was either made anonymously, or the complainant affirmatively chose not to proceed with a formal Title IX investigation on campus."
"Cozen O’Connor did not find documentation or other evidence that the University had prior notice of the additional reports of misconduct outlined in the pending criminal and civil complaints regarding these assaults, until around the time those complaints were filed."
"In 2018, the University’s Title IX Coordinator and Greek Life Coordinator became aware of generalized concerns raised by students relating to incidents of sexual assault within the Greek system at EMU. In response, the Title IX Coordinator and Greek Life Coordinator expanded education, outreach, and prevention programming specifically within the Greek community, including the development of an action plan by the student-led Inter-Fraternity Council (“IFC”), and a resolution by the University’s Student Government to educate and hold the IFC accountable for implementing the plan."
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"The Title IX Office’s case files did not consistently include all relevant documentation, including key communications with parties, meeting notes, and the rationale for case-related decisions. This incomplete record-keeping limited the firm’s ability to provide as full and complete a picture of the University’s response as might have been possible had the Title IX Coordinator and the Greek Life Coordinator maintained more complete and contemporaneous documentation."
EMU said in a press release that the institution "is committed to fostering a safe campus environment and encourages open communication between students and leadership, which is reflective of the University’s strategic plan commitment to promoting student success and engagement."
“There is no question that campus sexual assault is a serious challenge in our nation and one that must unite us in a powerful commitment going forward,” said Smith. “Collectively, we must confront sexual assault and support survivors who bravely come forward to tell of their past victimization by other students.”
Attorney Todd Flood slammed the report according to WXYZ, stating the investigation did not look into all accusations, therefore limiting its scope. Flood represents the 42 people who say the university systematically persuaded victims of rape not to move forward with their cases and called for change.
“We are going to do our best around that,” Smith said of making changes to the school's process to sexual assault allegations “The lawsuit itself, I would be inappropriately wrong to make comments regarding the lawsuit.”
EMU has encouraged all within its college community to come forward with any reports assault. If anyone has any information or wishes to report any incident of sexual assault or misconduct, please contact EMU Police at 734-487-1222 or at dps_questions@emich.edu, or file an incident report with the EMU Title IX Office.