Student-athletes may find it more difficult to report sexual harassment and violence perpetrated against them, according to a report released by the U.S. Government Accountability Office.
As reported by Johnny Jackson for Diverse, “Sexual Harassment and Violence: Efforts to Help College Athletes” provides GAO’s findings from reviewing issues related to sexual harassment and violence against college athletes.
The report examines barriers for athletes in reporting sexual harassment and violence to their colleges, how selected colleges address sexual harassment and violence in athletic programs, and the extent to which the U.S. Department of Education monitors colleges' compliance with related Title IX regulations.
GAO interviewed education officials; representatives from five research, advocacy, sports, and other organizations; officials from 10 colleges in four states; and 13 athletes from the selected colleges.
According to Jackson's report, those colleges focused on training athletes and others on how to recognize and report sexual harassment and violence. They reported their focus on providing support to those affected by sexual harassment and violence, such as by offering counseling and arranging for students to re-do or make up coursework. That is in addition to following regulatory requirements for investigating and resolving allegations of sexual harassment.
The education department recently published revised regulations that, effective Aug. 1, define sex-based harassment and specify requirements for associated grievance procedures and training, Jackson reported.
The GOA's report, published last month, offers three key takeaways:
• College athletes are part of a sports culture that may make it difficult for them to report sexual harassment and violence, according to college officials and athletes we interviewed. For example, athletes may be reluctant to report because they fear being ostracized or jeopardizing a scholarship. Research is mixed on whether sexual harassment and violence is more prevalent among college athletes than the general college student population.
• To address sexual harassment and violence, selected colleges in our study focused on training athletes and others on how to recognize and report it. In addition, these colleges reported focusing on providing support to those affected by sexual harassment and violence, such as offering counseling and arranging for students to redo or make up coursework. Colleges also reported implementing procedures required under Title IX regulations to investigate and resolve allegations of sexual harassment.
• Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces Title IX and its implementing regulations primarily by investigating complaints, such as those that allege a college was deliberately indifferent to a report of sexual harassment or violence. OCR also provides information and guidance to help colleges understand Title IX’s implementing regulations. Education recently published revised regulations with an effective date of August 1, 2024. The revised regulations define sex-based harassment and specify requirements for associated grievance procedures and training, among other things. OCR officials said they will consider additional needs colleges may have for Title IX information and guidance, if any.
"High-profile cases at multiple colleges have raised concerns about sexual harassment and violence against athletes," the report reads. "Some cases involved hundreds of athletes, and alleged perpetrators included coaches, team doctors, and other athletes. Those affected were of different genders in sports such as football, gymnastics, and wrestling. Sexual harassment and violence can inflict lifelong trauma, ruin athletic careers, and adversely affect educational achievements."
