Filed Date: May 31, 2012
Closed Date: 2013
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On May 31, 2012, the United States Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) received a complaint filed on behalf of a university student alleging that the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign had discriminated on the basis of sex in violation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Specifically, the complaint alleged that other students sexually harassed the student, and that the university was aware of the harassment but failed to respond promptly or appropriately, and the university failed to respond promptly or appropriately to a grievance the student filed alleging discrimination on the basis of sex. OCR determined that it had jurisdiction over the complaint, and that the complaint was filed timely.
In an interview with OCR, the complainant alleged ongoing discrimination, and that the university continued to delay its investigation. The complainant also stated that, at the time of the alleged sexual assault, the student was unaware that she had the ability to file a complaint. After she learned about the student disciplinary process, she pursued the matter with the university, but the university failed to hold a hearing, and none of the students involved in the assault or harassment were subject to discipline.
On May 16, 2013, the university entered into a Resolution Agreement as part of OCR's Early Complaint Resolution (ECR) process to resolve the issues raised in the complaint. The university agreed to provide Title IX training to relevant personnel, and to incorporate Title IX training, including training about the student disciplinary process, into its freshman orientation program. The university also agreed to revise its Student Disciplinary Procedures and Student Code, and the changes were approved by OCR. The university agreed to pay a settlement to the student. The amount of the settlement was not disclosed in the Resolution Agreement. The parties agreed that the Resolution Agreement resolved the OCR complaint, but that the complainant could file another complaint with OCR if the Agreement was breached.
Summary Authors
Elizabeth Heise (12/14/2018)
Last updated Aug. 30, 2023, 3:30 p.m.
Docket sheet not available via the Clearinghouse.State / Territory: Illinois
Case Type(s):
Key Dates
Filing Date: May 31, 2012
Closing Date: 2013
Case Ongoing: No
Plaintiffs
Plaintiff Description:
A female student at the University of Illinois who alleged that the university failed to promptly and appropriately respond to her complaint of sexual assault and harassment by other students.
Plaintiff Type(s):
Public Interest Lawyer: Unknown
Filed Pro Se: No
Class Action Sought: No
Class Action Outcome: Not sought
Defendants
University of Illinois (Champaign, Champaign), State
Defendant Type(s):
Case Details
Causes of Action:
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. §§ 1681 et seq.
Special Case Type(s):
Available Documents:
Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief
Outcome
Prevailing Party: Plaintiff
Nature of Relief:
Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement
Source of Relief:
Form of Settlement:
Order Duration: 2013 - 2013
Content of Injunction:
Issues
General:
Assault/abuse by residents/inmates/students
Discrimination-basis:
Affected Sex or Gender: