Ditsy Title IX

DeVos announces new Title IX probe at Michigan State

By BENJAMIN WERMUND

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said Monday that her agency is launching a new Title IX investigation into "systemic issues" around Michigan State University's handling of reports of sexual violence against Larry Nassar.

It is at least the second active Title IX probe at the university, according to a database of active civil rights cases published by the department. Another investigation was opened in July, but it's unclear whether it is connected to the Nassar scandal.

Separately, the department is also investigating whether Michigan State violated the Clery Act, the federal law requiring colleges to report crimes on campus, in its handling of allegations against Nassar, a former sports doctor at Michigan State who treated Olympic gymnasts. Nassar was sentenced to 40 to 175 years in prison after more than 150 women and girls said he had sexually abused them.

"We expect MSU's full and complete disclosure about its actions to protect students from sexual assault," DeVos said in a statement. "Every student across every campus should know that I am committed to ensuring all students have access to a learning environment free from sexual misconduct and discrimination and that all institutions that fall short will be held accountable for violations of federal law."

DeVos previously vowed to "hold MSU accountable for any violations of federal law."