Federal sexual violence investigation targets Anchorage School District

The Department of Education Office of Civil Rights has opened a Title IX sexual violence investigation within the Anchorage School District. Its most recent list of active cases includes Alaska’s largest school district. The date the case was initiated is June 20, 2017.

Any school receiving federal dollars must comply with Title IX civil rights laws which require schools to respond promptly and effectively to cases of sexual violence.

There are 153 other sexual violence investigations open in other states at 137 elementary or secondary institutions nationwide.

Channel Two News contacted the Department of Education for details of the case, but as a policy, the Office of Civil Rights says it doesn’t discuss the details of open investigations.

The Anchorage School District was also contacted Thursday, but declined an interview request. However, it did confirm the case, and a school district spokesperson said, “The incident referenced is an ongoing investigation, and the ASD is unable to share any details. Necessary measures for the protection of students are in place. Because of the ongoing investigation, the District is unable to provide any additional information at this time,” the statement reads.

In contrast to a criminal investigation, Title IX cases on their own will never end in someone going to prison, but local law enforcement can decide to start its own investigation related to the complaint.