Feds to Open Third Inquiry on Sex Assault Cases at UNC

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will face a third federal investigation related to its handling of sexual assault complaints, the Raleigh News & Observer reported. The U.S. Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights -- which is already investigating complaints alleging that UNC misreported assault statistics and mishandled student complaints – said it will look into whether the university retaliated against Landen Gambill, who was charged by the campus honor court after speaking out about her rape case. OCR said in a recent "Dear Colleague" letter that taking action against students who issue complaints, either on campus or with the federal government, is illegal under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Gambill was also a party to the initial OCR complaint against UNC. An investigation commissioned by the university found no evidence of retaliation, but said UNC's honor court system is flawed and lacks administrative oversight.