Office of Civil Rights To Investigate Framingham High

UPDATED 10:45 p.m. Statement from School Committee Chair Beverly Hugo

UPDATED 9:15 p.m. Statement from Superintendent of Schools Stacy Scott

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The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights will look into reports that Framingham High violated Title IX when responding to reports of two sexual assaults in the school last spring.

The federal Civil Rights' office evaluated a complaint and has determined there is enough legal evidence to investigate.

The complaint states Framingham School District did not take appropriate action in response to a complaint, does not have appropriate Title IX grievance procedures in place and did not have a designee coordinating the district's compliance under Title IX.

Superintendent of Schools Stacy Scott told the Framingham School Committee Wednesday night the school received a letter from the Office of Civil Rights.

Scott said the letter contained what he called "expected questions" about the district's ability to respond to and investigate allegations of sexual assault. 

He said the letter seeks a response within two weeks.

Scott said the district would craft a response that outlines procedures already in place, as well as areas for improvement.

Scott told the School Committee that response will be shared with the school community.

Scott added he recently designated a Title IX compliance coordinator, a position he said had  

"We want to make sure we are sending out a message that not only is there zero tolerance of any sexual harassment or assault, but also to create an environment where everyone feels safe and comfortable coming forward to report any issues or problems," said Scott.

"It is our policy to be fully compliant with all laws and regulations. We are looking at all aspect of these issues and will be taking appropriate steps to assure proper compliance," said newly-elected Framingham School Committee Chair Beverly Hugo after Wednesday night's School Committee meeting.

"While we have procedures in place, we are studying and discussing them to assure that we are in optimal compliance and that our students' safety remains paramount," Hugo told Framingam Patch.

Framingham Patch was the first media outlet to publish about the report of two sexual assaults at the high school by one male-athlete last spring, when high school students held a protest on A Street on March 27.

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To read all the Framingham Patch reports on this issue post March 27, click here.