Last year, when Kristin Roslonski claimed Boston University had mishandled her rape investigation, Roslonski’s attorneys filed a civil rights complaint against the United States Department of Education, asking the DOE to suspend financial assistance to the University.
Roslonski’s complaint pertained to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 that states, “No person in the US shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participating in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”
Roslonski, in her complaint, claimed BU violated the amendment during the investigation into her alleged sexual assault.
The DOE investigation was slated to conclude in May of 2002, but the date was pushed back to November of 2002 when a current Boston University student brought forth new evidence. Meghann Horner, who joined Roslonski’s complaint in the spring, claims the University took retaliatory measures against her when she claimed a BU student raped her last January.
“I have been forced into this situation by a man who lacks respect for others, and an institution which supports his disrespect,” Horner said. “I am still investigating the possibility of civil action against my assailant, as well as Boston University.”
In June, Horner was interviewed at length about her experiences with the school’s investigation. The DOE plans to interview all other parties involved and will review all pertinent documentation provided by Horner and the BU Office of Judicial Affairs before making a ruling.
If the DOE finds BU in violation of the allegations, the University’s federal funding may be withheld. In addition, the case could be referred to the Department of Justice for an investigation into whether or not the civil rights of women attending the University have been violated.
In the meantime, Horner has decided to complete her degree at Rutgers University rather than returning to BU. She will be graduating from BU this year upon transfer of the Rutgers credits.
“Even though leaving my friends and my support system in Boston has been a hard decision, being with my family was the right decision for me,” Horner said.
Roslonski said she has become increasingly encouraged by Horner’s decision to join the complaint and the DOE decision to investigate both cases.
“The department would not have acted on our complaint had they not reason to believe possible fault exists within BU’s handling of rape cases,” Roslonski said. “We will take this as far as we must until BU’s policies and actions toward rape victims are made consistent, fair, and in accordance with the law.”
Horner said she views her crusade against the school as an essential fight to ensure the protection of rights for women attending the University.
“I cannot change what happened to me and how my assault was handled by the University,” Horner said. “But I can work so that other rape survivors are handled with the sensitivity, understanding and respect due to them.
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