University of Montana Investigates Alleged Sexual Assaults

Diane Barz, the former justice of the Montana Supreme Court, was appointed by Royce Engstrom, president of the University of Montana, to launch an independent investigation of a series of three alleged sexual assaults on or near the Missoula campus during the fall semester.

Judge Barz has issued a preliminary report which stated that “there is evidence of non-consensual sex that is not being reported in the university system.” She went on to say that “the university appears to have a gap in reporting sexual assaults. There is evidence that there has been a sexual assault that has not been appropriately reported and investigated.”

After receiving the preliminary report, President Engstrom vowed to take appropriate action when the investigation is completed. And he instructed administration officials to increase educational outreach programs this coming semester on issues relating to sexual assault on campus .