The report by Husch Blackwell law firm on LSU s handling of sexual assault and violence cases will be released Friday, Interim President Thomas Galligan announced in an email Tuesday.
After a Nov. 16 USA Today article accused LSU of widespread mishandling of sexual assault cases, University administration hired law firm Husch Blackwell to conduct an independent investigation into its Title IX office and LSUPD to determine if such misconduct exists.
A representative from Husch Blackwell reported to the LSU Board of Supervisors at their Dec. 4 meeting detailing the team of lawyers plan for…
Husch Blackwell Partner Scott Schneider described the firmâs review of the University as âmultifacetedâ and said a team is interviewing a wide range of students, employees and faculty, particularly those whose names were made public in the USA Today story and other newspieces.Â
She believes that confusion about the logistical aspects of Title IX could deter reporting in and of itself, pointing out that more students might seek supportive measures if they knew they could do so without starting a formal investigation.
Another misconception of Title IX is the tendency to view it as a criminal process. In actuality, Title IX is meant to ensure that sexual misconduct and gender-based discrimation do not prevent any student from fully participating in their education. Ryan points out that, âat the end of a Title IX proceeding, no oneâs going to jail. No oneâs going to prison, right? Itâs really about access to education, and thatâs why itâs so important.â
UPDATED: Feb. 26, 2021 at 8:40 p.m.
A bill spearheaded by student organizers, including Harvard alumni, to establish protections for survivors of sexual harassment at colleges and universities in Massachusetts beyond existing provisions in Title IX was signed into law by Governor Charlie D. Baker â79 last month.
By the time it passed, the bill boasted 160 co-sponsors in the Massachusetts State House, including lead sponsors State Senators Michael O. Moore and William N. Brownsberger â78, and State Reps. Lori A. Ehrlich and Tricia Farley-Bouvier, all Democrats. It was originally co-drafted and filed six years ago by student organizers, including then-Harvard student John B. Gabrieli â16.