Two female students have filed a lawsuit against Kansas State University alleging that the college ignored them when they claimed they were raped at off-campus fraternity houses. They also claim that the university refused to investigate.
In a report by KWCH 12, the two civil rights lawsuits were filed on Wednesday at the U.S. District Court in Kansas. They contended that the university's practice endangers the students as well as violates the federal law for creating a hostile learning environment for rape victims.
The attorney of the two female students, Cari Simon, said the U.S. Department of Education said schools are obliged to respond to such complaints even if it took place off campus, The New York Times reported. The lawsuit also cited police reports that say at least 11 rapes have happened at Kansas State fraternities way back in 2012.
In a report by Reuters, the lawsuit says that Kansas State University violated the women's rights under Title IX, which is a federal law barring sexual discrimination in education. One of the plaintiffs contended that she was raped by two Kansas State University students back in April 2014 during a fraternity event and was again raped at a fraternity house. Accordingly, around 15 students witnessed one of the rapes and even posted videos and photos of it on social media.
The second woman claims that she was raped in March 2015 at a fraternity house. Both of the incidents reportedly took place after the women passed out from drinking. The supposed fraternity or fraternities have not been named in the lawsuit.
Kansas State University is now being investigated by the U.S. Department of Education over the alleged refusal to investigate the suspected attacks on the two women. The two women are said to be seeking compensatory damages and are asking for a Kansas State investigation into the allegations. They also want a court order that the school shall revise its policies to comply with Title IX.
Kansas State University has released a statement regarding the matter, saying it would not comment on the litigation. The university added that they have a strong policy on "prohibiting discrimination, including sexual violence, and provide a multitude of resources and assistance to students and employees."
