ESPN Report Accuses Baylor of Mishandling Sexual Assault Accusations

ESPN’s “Outside the Lines” published a report on Baylor University. The report, with powerful first-hand accounts from accusers, alleges that Baylor mishandled sexual assault allegations against football players under Title IX. Baylor, according to the report, failed to investigate the claims or provide support.

"Yet an investigation by Outside the Lines found several examples in Tanya’s case, and others at Baylor, in which school officials either failed to investigate, or adequately investigate, allegations of sexual violence. In many cases, officials did not provide support to those who reported assaults. Moreover, it took Baylor more than three years to comply with a federal directive: In April 2011, the U.S. Department of Education sent a letter to all colleges and universities outlining their responsibilities under Title IX, including the need for each school to have a Title IX coordinator. Baylor didn’t hire a full-time coordinator until fall 2014."

Sadly, these accusations tie into a much broader narrative of an incredibly flawed process of universities handling sexual assault. Per the report, there are 161 schools under investigation by the Department of Education.

"Tanya’s story is similar to others at Baylor and an array of universities nationwide; the U.S. Department of Education is investigating complaints against 161 institutions for their handling of sexual violence investigations."

One of those schools is Florida State, which recently settled with Jameis Winston’s accuser for $950,000.