Former UNL Athlete Reports Sexual Assault; Sues University For Allegedly Favoring Offender [VIDEO]
ByMelissa-Maree Farrington, a former track and field athlete at University of Nebraska Lincoln (UNL) reported a sexual assault case against an athlete she was dating. During the investigation, she alleges that she has been harassed and discriminated by the school's athletic department and the male athletes. Farrington is suing UNL for violating the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
In Title IX investigations, colleges and universities are to investigate reports of sexual assault in the campus. Farrington filed the lawsuit in a US District Court in Omaha and is suing UNL for $40,000 in economic damages because of her losing a year of scholarship funding. The lawsuit also alleges UNL for causing Farrington inconvenience, humiliation and mental distress.
A former UNL student athlete sues the University. She claims after reporting an assault the environment was hostile.https://t.co/PALQPItEr5
— Max Massey (@MaxMasseyTV) April 29, 2016
While students are not normally required to provide evidence, but UNL's disciplinary comittee compelled her to cooperate in the investigation of her sexual assault that happened last March 1, 2015. The complaint alleges that the UNL athletics department turned on her for reporting her sexual assault case, Lincoln Journal Star reported.
Farrington explained that during her sexual assault investigation, she was being discriminated by other athletic teams. The athletic department allegedly told their members, specifically an unnamed men's varsity sports team, not to affiliate with her.
The university's system lacked the capacity to protect Farrington and other sexual assault victims with similar plight. The environment during the investigation was allegedly malicious that she was left with little choice but to transfer, 1011Now.com shared.
Additionally, Farrington also stated that she had trouble renewing her scholarship. A university staff even got in the way of her getting another one at a new school. Farrington has since transferred to Florida State University, KETV.com noted. The outcome of the investigation is unknown.
What is Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972? Watch the video below for more information.
