Filed Date: June 23, 2010
Case Ongoing
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On June 23, 2010, the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights (OCR) notified Ohio State University (OSU) that OCR was initiating a proactive review to evaluate the university's compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. OCR's Cleveland Office conducted the review. The review examined the university's IX procedures, its management and response to complaints filed by students, its appointment of a Title IX Coordinator and compliance with Title IX notice requirements, and grievance procedures for filing sex discrimination claims.
On August 4, 2010, OCR filed a data request with the University seeking contact information for Title IX staff at the University, copies of Title IX policies, grievance and complaint procedures available to students who wish to file complaints, and other sources related to the university's Title IX policies and procedures.
On September 8, 2014, OCR announced a Resolution Agreement with OSU. In the agreement, OCR noted steps OSU had already taken to improve its compliance with Title IX including:
In the Resolution Agreement, OSU also agreed to make the following changes:
Under the agreement, OCR stated that it would not cease monitoring the agreement under the Office determined OSU had fulfilled the terms of the agreement and was in full compliance with Title IX requirements.
On August 12, 2015, OCR initiated a second investigation of OSU. A student complaint alleging sex discrimination triggered the second investigation. The student reported a sexual assault complaint to OSU and argued in their complaint with OCR that the university failed to adequately respond to the allegation. OCR filed a document request for all documentation related to the student's complaint, a copy of all communications between university staff about the student's complaint, and a copy of all documents related to any meetings held between the university and student regarding the complaint. The investigation remains open.
On Jan. 3, 2017, OCR initiated a third investigation of OSU. The complainant previously notified the university of an alleged sexual assault by a OSU professor at an academic conference. The complaint subsequently filed a claim against OSU through OCR alleging the OSU failed to appropriately respond to assault allegations. OCR notified the university that it was opening the complaint for investigation. Subsequently, the Cleveland Branch of OCR submitted document requests to the university. No further documentation is available, but it appears that the third investigation was resolved on the ground of insufficient evidence. The case was closed by September 26, 2017.
On July 31, 2017, OCR initiated a fourth investigation of OSU. No documentation is publicly available regarding the fourth investigation, but the investigation appears to be open.
As of October 2021, the second and fourth investigations remain active.
Summary Authors
Gabrielle Simeck (10/17/2021)
Chandra, Meena Morey (Ohio)
Chandra, Meena Morey (Ohio)
Last updated May 11, 2022, 8 p.m.
Docket sheet not available via the Clearinghouse.State / Territory: Ohio
Case Type(s):
Special Collection(s):
Title IX, Sexual Violence Investigations/Resolutions
Key Dates
Filing Date: June 23, 2010
Case Ongoing: Yes
Plaintiffs
Plaintiff Description:
Individuals affiliated with Ohio State University who have experienced sex discrimination.
Plaintiff Type(s):
Non-DOJ federal government plaintiff
Public Interest Lawyer: Yes
Filed Pro Se: Unknown
Class Action Sought: No
Class Action Outcome: Not sought
Defendants
Ohio State University (Columbus), Private Entity/Person
Defendant Type(s):
Case Details
Causes of Action:
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. §§ 1681 et seq.
Available Documents:
Outcome
Prevailing Party: Mixed
Nature of Relief:
Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement
Source of Relief:
Form of Settlement: