Oglethorpe University investigated for handling of sex assault

ATLANTA — Channel 2 Action News has confirmed federal investigators are looking into Oglethorpe University's handling of a sexual assault case.
 
Channel 2's Matt Belanger searched a federal database and found the small private liberal arts university in suburban Atlanta had one sexual assault reported in 2012 and another in 2013. More recent statistics are not available
 
Belanger confirmed a complaint filed against the school in June prompted the U.S. Department of Education to investigate.
 
Students at Oglethorpe told Belanger they were shocked to learn their school is being investigated by the Department of Education for a possible violation in its handling of a sexual assault case.

"I am definitely surprised someone would do that," said Oglethorpe University student Haley Evans.

"If something happened to you, you would know who to go to and wouldn't be scared to do so? No, they make it very clear here."
 
Junior Christopher Jennings told Belanger that even upper-class students at the university are required to attend sessions that cover sexual assault.
 
He said most take it seriously.
 
"There are some people in there who don't take it seriously just like joking and whatnot," Jennings said.
 
Specific details about the alleged assault won't be released until after the investigation is completed.
 
A university representative told Belanger the school, which has more than 1,000 students, is cooperating fully, writing in a statement:
 
"Oglethorpe takes all complaints of sexual misconduct very seriously, is dedicated to complying with Title IX, and is deeply committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its students and the entire University community."
 
Student Erica Blount told Belanger she's anxious to learn the results of the federal investigation.
 
"For that to be on a higher level of government, that's surprising," Blount said.
 
Leaders at the university also told Belanger, all students, faculty and staff members are required to have similar training regarding sexual assault.