An independent report on the University of Alaska Fairbanks failed handling of sexual assault cases was released Friday.
The review done by Anchorage attorney Jeff Feldman confirms that UAF failed to pursue policy dictated disciplinary action against perpetrators in five cases from 2011 into 2014.
The review attributes the lapse to three things, starting with former UAF Dean of Students Donald Foley, who’s criticized as neglecting discipline while focusing on victim safety and support.
Speaking at a Friday press conference, University of Alaska President Jim Johnsen also pointed to two other areas of blame identified in the review.
“An initial lack of understanding and response to the 2011 Title IX guidance from the federal Department of Education,” Johnsen said. “And a lack of oversight by top UAF administrators as well as inadequate resources for Title IX and student discipline.”
Former Dean Foley retired and Johnsen says there have been other retirements and resignations as a result of the disciplinary failings, which initially arose three years after a federal Title IX compliance order was issued to universities nationwide.
“Under the Title IX guidance that we got from the Department of Education in 2011, it is no longer adequate for a university simply to refer cases to the criminal process, which of course, did occur in all of these cases,” Johnsen said. “But since 2011, we’re obligated to investigate, adjudicate and discipline.”
Johnsen says the five improperly handled sexual assault cases in which disciplinary policy was not adhered to, have been re-opened for proper action, noting that discipline can range from suspension to expulsion top retroactive revocation of university degrees.
The review lists numerous other steps the university has taken to ensure there are no additional lapses.
“Going forward, people are crystal clear of their responsibilities,” Johnsen said.
Johnsen says that includes keeping him in the loop.
“Requiring the campuses to report every sexual assault to me,” he said.
Johnsen and UAF interim Chancellor Mike Powers stressed that beside process and staffing changes made to properly address sexual assault response, the university is also undergoing cultural change to prevent assaults from happening.
“Here in particular at UAF, 98 percent of our employees have completed Title IX training,” Powers said. “Over 500 student leaders have been trained in active bystander training, and that is engagement in the process – if you see something, say something, do something.”
Powers says there have been increased reports of sexual offenses since the issue came to light at UAF, noting that’s likely because victims are becoming less afraid to come forward.
Dan Bross is a reporter at KUAC in Fairbanks.
