Senators Call for Investigation Into How Liberty University Handles Sexual Assault Claims

Senators are urging the Department of Education to launch an investigation into how Liberty University addresses claims of sexual assault.

According to ProPublica, Sens. 👤Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and 👤Mark Warner (D-Va.) are calling for the investigation.

Kaine said in a statement to the outlet, “Any campus policy that deters or discourages a survivor of sexual assault from speaking out and seeking justice is wrong.”

He added, “Students who bravely speak out deserve to be heard and to have their claims taken seriously. My office is urging the Department of Education to investigate these claims against Liberty and take appropriate action.”

Warner called on Liberty University to “act immediately to remedy the issues alleged” and requested that the Department of Education “look into Liberty’s procedures.”

ProPublica also noted Sens. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) spoke out against the school for failing to protect students’ rights to a safe environment.

The outlet published a report in October, titled, “‘The Liberty Way’: How Liberty University Discourages and Dismisses Students’ Reports of Sexual Assaults.”