The University of Oregon has received notice of a civil lawsuit filed by a current student related to a report of sexual assault.
Interim President Scott Coltrane sent a message to campus saying the university disagrees with the allegations and believes the university acted in accordance with the law, including Title IX, the federal law that relates to sexual misconduct on college campuses.
“The university would prefer not to be in litigation with any student,” said Coltrane. “We have been as respectful and supportive as possible of the student, including immediately implementing support services and appropriately honoring her choice of process, once hearing of her experience.”
Coltrane said that the UO’s top priority is to provide support and services to any student in need and to make campus a safe place for all.
In the suit filed in U.S. District Court in Eugene, the student alleges the university violated her federal civil rights. The suit does not specify the monetary damages the student is seeking.
The attorney representing the university, Michelle Barton Smigel of Miller Nash Graham and Dunn, says after reviewing the matter, they believe the allegations lack merit.
“The university’s response to the plaintiff’s situation was caring, comprehensive and complied fully with all laws and other obligations. The plaintiff herself, through her attorney, previously released a statement praising the university’s response.”
Baron Smigel says her firm will defend the allegation in court, and because these matters are now subject to a lawsuit, she will not provide additional comments at this time.
In his campus email, the president outlined a series of steps the university has taken over the last year to review its prevention and response to sexual misconduct. Those efforts are current efforts are guided by recommendations from the University Senate, the President’s Review Panel and a university-wide analysis of prevention efforts.
The president’s message also says the university posted a timeline of events, which has been publicly available since mid-May. It outlines the aspects of the university’s response it can share while still protecting the privacy and rights of those involved.
The full message to campus is here.