YPSILANTI, Mich. – Eastern Michigan University came out with an independent report on how the school handled sex assault accusations involving the school’s fraternities.
The report was released in its entirety to the media Friday (May 20) afternoon and the university announced a virtual press conference to take a handful of questions from reporters who had about 30 minutes to review the 36-page report.
The report by law firm Cozen O’Connor was commissioned by Eastern Michigan University in September of 2020 following the arrests of three former students for multiple sexual assaults.
University president James Smith declared the report is consistent with its own internal investigation, in other words, it claims the university did everything it could.
The report did note the Title IX office’s case files did not consistently include all relevant documentation, including key communications with parties, meeting notes and the rationale for key case-related decisions such as whether to honor a complainant’s request not to proceed with an investigation.
While the law firm had unfettered access and interviewed 25 people for the report, none were assault survivors.
The university announced measures to better support students, including refreshing the Title IX website, adding two employees to the office and a care program for survivors.
Watch the video above for the full report.
The Sexual Assault Hotline is completely confidential and available 24/7 to call at 855-864-2374. Click here to see more resources that are available.