The University of Wisconsin-Madison may consider establishing new procedures for investigating sexual assault cases on campus. The Division of Student Life proposed the draft in a University Affairs meeting Tuesday.
The new procedures would give sexual assault victims more privileges in a trial than acting solely as a witness, as currently outlined in chapter 17 of the UW System. The victim would be able to appeal the case under the new procedures.
The draft outlines procedures for investigations into sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating or domestic violence and stalking, hopefully encouraging more victims to come forward, according to Kipp Cox, Dean of Students Office assistant dean and director.
UW campuses are entitled to their own procedures, as long as they are consistent with the system’s guidelines and are approved by the Board of Regents. The draft would add to UW System procedures and “equal the playing field” between the accused and accuser, Cox said.
UW System procedures are not currently in compliance with the 2013 federal Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act or with the U.S. Department of Education’s “Dear Colleague” Letter.
The letter, administered to campuses around the country in 2011, outlines necessary university action in Title IX cases. Title IX is a federal law giving women athletes equal opportunities in sports and requires universities to address sexual harassment allegations.
The “Dear Colleague” Letter is not law, but Cox said university investigations will most likely be judged by the procedures outlined by the letter.
Both Michigan State and Northwestern are currently under investigation for how they handle sexual assault investigations.
“We don't want to have Wisconsin's name out there as a school that’s been accused of botching a sexual assault, stalking, domestic violence kind of case,” Cox said.
UW-Madison has received seven sexual assault reports this semester, compared to two cases last spring. The draft would put UW-Madison in compliance with federal law by creating fair and equitable process for both the accuser and accused.
The Division of Student Life will be taking the draft to other groups on campus for input before presenting to the Board of Regents.
