Liberty University settles Title IX suit

A notice of dismissal was filed last week in the case of 12 women who alleged that Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., mishandled sexual assault cases. The terms of the settlement have not been disclosed. Two other Title IX suits against the university filed in November 2021 and April 2022 are still pending. The U.S. Department of Education is also reviewing the school’s compliance with the federal Clery Act, which requires colleges and universities to maintain and disclose crime statistics and security information.

What were the allegations? The former students and employees’ allegations span more than two decades. They claimed that Liberty’s strict honor code made it difficult or impossible for students to report sexual violence and any investigations were weighted in favor of men and retaliated against women. In a statement, Liberty said it spent over $8.5 million on campus security upgrades, improved mental health services, and is updating its policies. 

Dig deeper: Read Esther Eaton’s report in Schooled on how Moody Bible Institute promised to change its policies for responding to sexual abuse after complaints.