Chancellor's 2014 Task Force on Sexual Assault

On September 11, 2014, Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little announced the formation of a task force to examine how the University of Kansas prevents and responds to sexual assaults. This task force was co-chaired by Alesha Doan, chair of the Department of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies and associate professor of political science, and Angela Murphy, graduate student in the Department of English.

The task force reviewed current policies, practices, and sanctions, and provided recommendations on how they can be improved. Its charge included:

  • Solicit input and feedback from individuals who have participated in the sexual assault and harassment investigation and resolution process, and provide recommendations on how this process can be improved;
  • Examine current prevention practices and make concrete recommendations for improvements to make them more effective and meaningful;
  • Evaluate the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities, and make recommendations for how it can be revised and improved; and
  • Determine how best to support and advocate for student victims of crime.

For eight months, the task force undertook research and solicited feedback from the university community. It delivered its final report to Chancellor Gray-Little on May 1, 2015.

On September 13, 2015, the university responded to the final report by announcing that KU has implemented or is in the process of implementing 22 of the 27 recommendations. With its work complete, the task force was adjourned having provided the university useful input into future efforts in the area of sexual assault prevention and education.

Since then, KU has been recognized as a national leader in how universities address and respond to sexual assault on campus. In particular, KU has been recognized by peer institutions for its creation of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Education Center. Additionally, KU has made meaningful improvements and enhancements to its processes and procedures through the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX.

Report Sexual Assault or Harassment

Both KU Public Safety and the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX can investigate cases of sexual assault and harassment.

In an emergency, dial 911.

To reach KU Public Safety in non-emergency situations, call 785-864-5900 or visit publicsafety@ku.edu. 

Contact the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX at 785-864-6414.

News