An alleged rape occured on Oct. 3 at the Williams Center for the Arts at Lafayette College and was added to their crime log the next day.
Northampton County District Attorney Stephen Baratta said the college should’ve began an investigation once they got the rape kit from the victim.
Baratta then initiated an investigation on Oct. 16.
Lafayette responded by saying they followed all legal obligations and that, under Pennsylvania law, the victim decides if they would like to begin a criminal investigation.
Referencing how the victim of the alleged gang rape at Cornell University sued the university, Baratta said Lafayette should’ve handled this in a different manner.
“Sexual assault, sexual exploitation, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking can threaten the safety, well-being, educational experience, and career of students, faculty, and staff and will not be tolerated in any form,” Lafayette’s policy on sexual assault said.
This investigation is ongoing. As it continues, Baratta asks for cooperation from the victim and the university.
Information about Lafayette’s Title IX reporting and resources can be found here.
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