In January, Baylor University in Waco, Texas, faced allegations that university officials failed to adequately investigate allegations of sexual violence leveled against members of its football team and that adequate support was not provided to victims of sexual assaults.
The university has now outlined a new plan that aims to prevent sexual assaults and to improve services for those who are victimized. Specifics of the new plan include:
- Funding to increase the number of professional counseling staff offering services to students, ensuring that all students will have timely access to the counseling they need.
- Increasing the quantity and quality of university space dedicated to counseling and the support of victims of interpersonal violence.
- Providing strong measures to immediately address the needs of students who prompt a Title IX investigation, ensuring that those who report sexual, relationship or gender-based harassment or violence can continue their education without impediment.
- Mandating annual Title IX training for all upper-class and graduate students and expanding the program presently provided to all incoming students.
- Faculty and staff Title IX training will be required annually.
- Fully funding continuing education for all campus professionals who provide Title IX response, support and counseling to ensure awareness and adherence to nationally recognized trauma-informed practices in the field of interpersonal violence.
Ken Starr, president of Baylor University said that “we know we can and must do a better job to confront interpersonal violence in our campus community. These are important action steps we can take right now to improve our services to students impacted by sexual violence, and we intend to implement these steps immediately.”