On March 6, students received an email from Senior Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Karen McIntyre regarding a complaint that was filed with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) against the University.
The complaint, which alleges the University has discriminated against one or more students on the basis of sex and/or race, involves Title IX and the handling of a sexual misconduct case.
The University appeared in local newspapers and even on local news stations, as the complaint from the OCR resulted in a federal investigation of the University.
“Point Park University takes very seriously its obligations under Title IX and its commitment to provide a safe and secure environment for our students and other members of the University community,” McIntyre said in the email. “Point Park does not tolerate sexual misconduct of any kind.”
Title IX, which went into effect in 1972, prohibits discrimination against students on the basis of sex in its education programs and activities. Under Title IX, sexual misconduct is seen as a form of sex discrimination.
According to McIntyre, the University has specific policies in place to address cases of sexual misconduct and has followed those policies accordingly. Point Park is cooperating with the OCR to resolve the issue, according to the email.
The Globe reached out to the University for more information regarding the federal investigation, but was instead forwarded the same statement that was sent to students last Friday via email.
It goes without saying that the names of the people involved cannot be released as it involves a case of sexual misconduct; however, students deserve to know more about the situation at hand.
Sexual misconduct is serious. Federal investigations are serious, especially when pertaining to sexual misconduct. The email sent to students was vague, and many students are confused as to what the investigation is exactly pertaining to.
Obviously, the University has to obey the confidentiality agreements of Title IX involving sexual misconduct. That being said, the University can and should reveal more information about the matter without revealing said confidential information.
As a newspaper, we value transparency. We realize that there is information that cannot be shared with the public by the University, but we also think the University is trying a bit too hard to keep the situation under wraps, potentially confusing and alarming students.
What student wants to receive an email notifying them that their University is under federal investigation for its reporting and handling of something as frightening and serious as sexual misconduct – something that, unfortunately, is an issue that is running rampant at universities across the nation?
