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GAO-24-106641 1 (2024-05-21)

handle is hein.gao/gaoqlw0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Why This Matters

Key Takeaways

High-profile cases at multiple colleges have raised concerns about sexual
harassment and violence against athletes. Some cases involved hundreds of
athletes, and alleged perpetrators included coaches, team doctors, and other
athletes. Those affected were of different genders in sports such as football,
gymnastics, and wrestling. Sexual harassment and violence can inflict lifelong
trauma, ruin athletic careers, and adversely affect educational achievements.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 generally prohibits discrimination
on the basis of sex in education programs or activities that receive federal
financial assistance, including colleges. The U.S. Department of Education's
regulations implementing Title IX outline how recipients are to respond to sexual
harassment, including sexual violence, in their education programs or activities.
We were asked to review issues related to sexual harassment and violence
against college athletes. We examined barriers for athletes in reporting sexual
harassment and violence to their colleges, how selected colleges address sexual
harassment and violence in athletic programs, and the extent Education monitors
colleges' compliance with related Title IX regulations.
* College athletes are part of a sports culture that may make it difficult for them
to report sexual harassment and violence, according to college officials and
athletes we interviewed. For example, athletes may be reluctant to report
because they fear being ostracized or jeopardizing a scholarship. Research is
mixed on whether sexual harassment and violence is more prevalent among
college athletes than the general college student population.

* To address sexual harassment and violence, selected colleges in our study
focused on training athletes and others on how to recognize and report it. In
addition, these colleges reported focusing on providing support to those
affected by sexual harassment and violence, such as offering counseling and
arranging for students to redo or make up coursework. Colleges also reported
implementing procedures required under Title IX regulations to investigate
and resolve allegations of sexual harassment.
* Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces Title IX and its
implementing regulations primarily by investigating complaints, such as those
that allege a college was deliberately indifferent to a report of sexual
harassment or violence. OCR also provides information and guidance to help
colleges understand Title IX's implementing regulations. Education recently
published revised regulations with an effective date of August 1, 2024. The
revised regulations define sex-based harassment and specify requirements
for associated grievance procedures and training, among other things. OCR
officials said they will consider additional needs colleges may have for Title IX
information and guidance, if any.

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GAO-24-106641 Sexual Harassment and Violence Against College Athletes

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