Two female students have sued Kansas State University, alleging it has refused to investigate their rapes at off-campus fraternity houses.
The two civil rights lawsuits filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Kansas contend the university’s practice endangers students and violates federal law by creating a hostile learning environment for victims.
Kansas State declined to comment.
The suits say Kansas State is under a federal Title IX investigation.
The students’ attorney, Cari Simon, says the U.S. Department of Education has said schools have an obligation to respond to such complaints, even if they occur off campus. She says Kansas State’s position is an outlier.
The lawsuits cite police reports that indicate at least 11 rapes were alleged to have happened at Kansas State fraternities since 2012.
The New York Times also released a story on the lawsuits Wednesday, adding detail to the events that led to the filings.
