The proposed update to the Higher Education Act introduced in the House Friday would allow colleges to refrain from investigating sexual assault allegations while a criminal inquiry is under way if police or prosecutors request such a delay.
Advocates for survivors of sexual assault say that proposal would undermine federal requirements that colleges thoroughly investigate sexual misconduct and lead to slower remedies for victims. But some observers say in practice the language would likely mean little change from current policy, which allows colleges to briefly hold off on investigations when police gather criminal evidence.
That provision is among several affecting campus policies handling sexual assault and harassment that angered advocates for survivors last week.
Read more at Inside Higher Ed: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2017/12/04/hea-proposal-allows-campuses-delay-reviews-sexual-assaults