KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The University of Missouri-Kansas City sent a letter to the campus community Monday saying it is looking into a reported sexual assault involving UMKC students.
In the letter, UMKC Interim Chancellor and Provost Barbara A. Bichlmeyer said that, since the alleged incident occurred off-campus, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Kansas City Police Department.
Although, Bichelmeyer said the school's Title IX coordinator is "conducting an inquiry per procedures for reports of a non-consensual sexual offense."
Bichelmeyer's full letter can be read below:
I want to provide you with an update on the situation involving reports of alleged sexual assault committed by UMKC students at an off-campus party on Friday evening.
It’s important to know that because the incident occurred off campus, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Kansas City Police Department.
UMKC’s Title IX Coordinator, Mikah K. Thompson, is conducting an inquiry per procedures for reports of a non-consensual sexual offense. Under federal law, the Title IX office has the responsibility to protect people at UMKC from discrimination based on sex. Additional details about the Title IX process can be found here[info.umkc.edu].
The Title IX process is designed to be thorough, and the federal law guiding the process sets out procedures designed to protect the rights of both accusers, and the accused, during the process. Protecting the integrity of that process is essential to ensuring a fair and just outcome.
I fully understand the desire by many for quick action and swift resolution. I must ask our entire university community for patience while we work to conduct this process in accordance with the law.
Respectfully,
Barbara A. Bichelmeyer, Ph.D.
Interim Chancellor and Provost
