CU settles landmark sexual assault lawsuit

(U-WIRE) BOULDER, Colo. — CU attorneys have agreed to a settlement with the former student who sued the university after members of the football team allegedly sexually assaulted her at a 2001 recruiting party.

Lisa Simpson will receive $2.5 million, and the second woman $350,000 as part of the settlement in the landmark Title IX suit filed in 2002, said Simpson’s attorney Baine Kerr.

The university has also agreed to hire an independent Title IX adviser who students will be able to speak with directly and who will oversee any allegations of sexual harassment, sexual assault, discrimination and Title IX compliance.

Title IX, enacted in 1972, states, “”No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

The adviser will report directly to Chancellor Bud Peterson. However, if the chancellor does not comply, the adviser will report to university President Hank Brown, which will be public record, Kerr said.

In addition, the university will hire another victim’s assistance counselor for five year.

The university will be releasing a statement later today. The Campus Press will be updating throughout the today.

By: Staff Reports
Campus Press (U. Colorado)

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