282 reported sexual assaults closed without disciplinary action at public university

From October 2021 through September 2022, Louisiana State University closed 282 reported cases of sexual assault without imposing any disciplinary action, according to reports obtained by Fox News Digital.

In 2020, USA Today released a report accusing LSU of mishandling sexual assault cases. The news outlet reported instances where university officials failed to believe victims' stories, chose not to investigate, or did not report the incidents to authorities.

Following the recent death of 19-year-old LSU sophomore Madison Brooks, the university's handling of sexual assault cases is once again under scrutiny.

On January 15, an intoxicated Brooks was allegedly raped by two males she met at a bar. Brooks was dropped off late at night on the side of a dimly lit road, where she was fatally struck by a car.

University officials were criticized for their response to the young woman's death. LSU President William F. Tate IV called the incident "evil" and stated he wanted to ensure local bars no longer serve alcohol to underage students.

Two student groups, College Democrats of LSU and Feminists in Action, accused Tate of "victim blaming" and ignoring the "overwhelming violence, particularly sexual violence, we face as students."

LSU's most recent "power-based violence" report revealed that the university failed to seek disciplinary action in an overwhelming number of reported sexual assault cases.

According to the reports, between October 1, 2021, and March 3, 2022, 182 sexual assaults were reported. Another 126 were reported between April 1, 2022, and September 30, 2022. Of the over 300 cases, 282 did not result in disciplinary action.

More than 80% of those cases were closed due to one of three reasons, including "complainant not responsive to outreach," "complainant requested supportive measures only," or "complainant requested no further action."

The reports argued that an "overwhelming majority of survivors choose a path that does not include a formal investigation" because it would be an "arduous task." A formal investigation includes interviews with all involved parties and witnesses, along with a hearing and cross-examination.

LSU spokesperson Abbi Rocha Laymoun told Fox News Digital, "Many survivors do not wish to share their experience in those ways."

"A formal resolution is not the only pathway for survivors," Laymoun continued. "That is why resources and supportive measures are available to all survivors, regardless of whether a formal complaint is filed."

"Our philosophy is to listen to survivors and empower them to decide which resources they want and when. Our focus is on the survivor. … The office continues to review processes and monitor any potential barriers to reporting while empowering survivors to make the choice that is right for them," Laymoun explained.

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