UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION mrmox 

 

OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS 

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Via US. Mail Email

 

Non Responsive

 

 

 

Complaint #04-15-2473 04-15-2474

 

Non Responsive
Dear

 

 

 

On September 30. 20l5. the US. Department of Education (Department). Of?ce for Civil Rights
(OCR). received the above-referenced complaint ?led against Spelman College (Spelman) and
Morehouse College (Morchouse) alleging discrimination based on sex. Speci?cally.
Eon Complainant) alleged that Spelman and Morehouse failed to take action to protect

ReSpons'Ve  (Student) from a Morehouse student who she alleged sexually assaulted her.
The Complainant also alleged that Spelman and Morehouse failed to and equitably
respond to complaints. reports and/or incidents of sexual violence of which it had notice.
including the report of sexual assault. and. as a result. students. including the
Complainant. were subjected to a sexually hostile environment.

 

 

 

 

As a recipient of Federal ?nancial assistance from the Department. Spelman and Morchouse are
both subject to Title IX ofthc Education Amendments of 1972. 20 U.S.C. ??l68l et seg. (Title
IX) and its implementing regulation. 34 CPR. Part l06. which prohibit discrimination on the
basis of sex. Accordingly. OCR has jurisdiction to investigate this complaint. Additional
infomiation about the laws OCR enforces is available on our website at 

 

Because OCR has determined that it has jurisdiction and that the complaint was ?led timely. it is
opening these allegations for investigation. Please note that opening the allegations for
investigation in no way implies that OCR has mad a determination with regard to their merits.
During the investigation. OCR is a neutral fact-?nder. collecting and analyzing relevant evidence
from the complainant. the recipient. and other sources. as appropriate. OCR will ensure that its
investigation is legally suf?cient and is dispositive ofthe allegations. in accordance with the
provisions ofArticle Ill ofthc ('asc l?roccssing 

OCR will proceed with an investigation of the following legal issue:

0 Whether the Spelman and Morchousc failed to and equitably respond to
complaints. reports and/or incidents of sexual violence of which it had notice. including
the Complainant's report of sexual assault. and. as a result ofthc failure to provide a
prompt and equitable response. students. including the Complainant. were subjected to a

The Department ot?lfducation's mission is to promote student achievement and preparation tiirglolml 
by tostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.

.gov

Complaint #04-15-2473 04-15-2474 Page 2

sexually hostile environmentr in noncompliance with 34 C.F.R. ??106.8, 106.9 and
106.31.

OCR intends to conduct a prompt investigation ofthis complaint. OCR works to investigate
allegations ofdiscrimination and appropriately. OCR is committed to prompt and
effective service.

Please refer to the complaint number noted above in any contacts with this of?ce. If you have
any questions about this letter. please contact Adrienne Harris at (404) 974-9370.

Sincc cly.

Andrea dc Vries
Compliance Team Leader