US Education Shake-Up: Department Lists 55 Colleges Under Investigation Over Sexual Assault Cases

For the very first time, the U.S. Department of Education has publicly revealed a list of colleges that are under investigation for possible violations regarding sexual assault and harassment complaints on their campuses.

Among the schools on the list include the Michigan State University, Arizona State University, Princeton University, Catholic University of America, Florida State University and Swarthmore College.

The federal department hoped the disclosure will encourage dialogue but most importantly persuade schools to review and toughen up their procedures as to how they handle and manage campus sexual violence cases.

"We are making this list available in an effort to bring more transparency to our enforcement work and to foster better public awareness of civil rights," Catherine Lhamon, the Education Department's assistant secretary for civil rights, said in a statement.

An unidentified Department of Education spokesman cited by Reuters said resolutions will be negotiated with a school found to have violated the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. However, if the education institution refuse to negotiate or comply, it will be subjected to further enforcement action, which could include a Justice Department litigation or withdrawal of federal funding.

The Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is an instrument that ensures students are given full ability to participate in educational and other opportunities at schools that receive federal funds without gender bias. Colleges, universities and schools given federal funds cannot discriminate based off of a student's gender as stipulated under Title IX.

Moreover, the Department of Education would post resolution agreements and compliance findings for settled cases. "That will also be hugely valuable to motivate proactive compliance by universities and to provide more blueprints for compliance," Erin E. Buzuvis, a Title IX expert and a law professor at Western New England University, told New York Times.

As cases of sexual assault and violence rise, more and more victims are citing Title IX, claiming their schools failed to protect them.

Colleges and universities are required to have a Title IX coordinator so students can report a wide range of violence including sex-related crimes.

This list reflects investigations open as of May 1, 2014. Schools are listed alphabetically by state.

"Today's move by the Department of Education is an important, helpful step for students and their parents, who until today had no way of knowing whether their school was under investigation for Title IX violations," Senator Claire McCaskill, Democrat of Missouri, said. "We'll continue working to help schools provide the highest level of responsiveness and protections for victims and to require the federal government to provide the highest level of transparency on compliance and enforcement."