University Women Win Safety Reforms in Title IX Settlement

December 7, 2007

By Lisa Bennett, Communications Director

On Dec. 5, the University of Colorado (CU) settled a high-profile lawsuit brought under Title IX, the federal law that protects women and girls from sex discrimination in public education. Student Lisa Simpson and an unnamed plaintiff charged the university with deliberate indifference to sexual harassment and assault after they were raped by CU football players and recruits at an off-campus party in December 2001. According to news reports, there were allegations from at least nine women that Colorado players or recruits had sexually assaulted them.

The case shed new light on an issue not restricted to CU -- the world of big-time college athletics, where alcohol and the enticement of sex often play a part in the recruitment process, sometimes culminating in the exploitation and rape of women.

"I applaud these young women for standing up to the university and not backing down during the long six-year fight for justice," said NOW President Kim Gandy. "They brought attention to an important issue and helped advance the safety of women on this campus and across the country."

The National Organization for Women called attention to the case, both locally and nationally, with Boulder NOW President Regina Cowles leading the way. "Together, the Boulder chapter, students and other allies rallied and kept the story going in the press," said Cowles. "We consistently stood up for the victims, something the school refused to do."

Thousands of NOW activists sent messages to CU officials calling for a thorough and fair investigation of the school's athletic recruiting program and the dismissal of football coach Gary Barnett and Athletic Director Richard Tharp. NOW also called for the NCAA to address the problem nationwide. Neither Barnett nor Tharp is still at CU.

In a statement posted on the CU website, Simpson says, "I am pleased with all steps the University takes to prevent any of its students from becoming future victims of sexual assault, and I encourage other institutions of higher education throughout the nation to take similar steps."

In addition to the monetary settlement, Simpson's statement asserts: "Since 2001, the University has adopted many reforms targeted at preventing sexual assault and harassment on its campuses, ranging from enhanced training and education targeted at students, faculty, and staff to implementing new protocols for responding to incidents of sexual harassment and misconduct. As part of the settlement, the University has agreed to appoint an independent Title IX advisor to assist it in identifying any further reforms that will prevent sexual harassment and misconduct. The University has also committed to adding another part-time counselor in its Office of Victim's Assistance."

While the school did not admit fault or liability, the awareness created by the case may have a lasting impact on how schools handle harassment and violence committed by and against its own students.

Gandy concluded: "This case highlights two important missions of the feminist movement -- ending violence against women and promoting equal education for girls and women through Title IX."