The Problem of Campus Sexual Assault

Stop Campus Sexual Assault

Recently, a friend and fellow University of Chicago alumna showed me an open letter to university president Robert Zimmer demanding that the university reevaluate its policy regarding campus sexual assaults. After reporting an assault by her then-partner and being illegally offered a mediation session by Dean of Students Susan Art, current fourth-year student Olivia Ortiz filed a complaint with the United States Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights (OCR), prompting a larger investigation of the university for possible violations of Title IX. In response, a coalition of alumni wrote and circulated the letter in question. I gladly added my name.

Though I am heartbroken to read about my beloved alma mater's betrayal of sexual assault victims, I am not surprised. Campus sexual assaults are chillingly common, according to the Department of Education's 2011 Dear Colleague Letter: Sexual Violence Background, Summary, and Fast Facts (found on Marsh Law Firm's roundup of Title IX resources):

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Emerging Adults as Foster Parents

In New Jersey, you can be a foster parent before you’re able to buy a cigarette. The minimum age to be buy cigarettes–19; the minimum age to be a foster parent–18. In Alabama, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, and New Jersey, you can be a foster parent before being able to purchase alcohol. The Child Welfare Information Gateway, in its document, The Home Study Requirements for Prospective Foster Parents (2010) reports that, “Adults of any profession and background may apply to be foster parents. In approximately 35 States and the District of Columbia, the foster parent applicants must be at least age 21. 1 In four States, the applicant must be at least age 18. 2 In Alabama and Nebraska, the parent must be at least age 19 (p.2).” Foster parents are the primary care providers for the vast majority of children in state custody. While acknowledging that available foster placements have not kept pace with demand, is there any hesitation in tapping young adults to be foster parents?

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About Us

Marsh Law Firm PLLC
Marsh Law Firm is recognized worldwide as a premier law firm representing victims of sex abuse in schools, colleges, churches, foster care, and government and military institutions; online sexual exploitation; sexting; child pornography; child trafficking; sextortion; and revenge porn. We are among the few law firms in the country using innovative federal law approaches to help victims obtain justice across the United States and Worldwide. The intersection of criminal law, federal civil statutory remedies, Title IX, copyright, and criminal restitution makes this a ...

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United States Supreme Court – Amy Files Rare Supplemental Brief After Argument

Late yesterday, we filed an unusual supplemental brief after argument in our Supreme Court case Paroline v. Amy Unknown. The purpose of the brief is to discuss the Court’s decision in Burrage v. United States, No. 12‑7515, which was decided January 27, 2014—just five days after Amy argued her case to the Supreme Court. Burrage analyzes “contributing cause” in the context of determining criminal liability. While Amy did not have the benefit of having read the Burrage decision before oral argument, it appears that the Court may have asked a number of ...

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Paroline v. Amy Unknown’s Wide-ranging Impact for Victims, Policymakers and Professionals

The American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC) is the leading national organization supporting professionals who serve children and families affected by child maltreatment and violence, including child sex abuse and child pornography. As a multidisciplinary group of professionals, APSAC achieves its mission in a number of ways, most notably through expert training and educational activities, policy leadership and collaboration, and consultation that emphasizes theoretically sound, evidence-based principles. With more than 26 years of existence and a ...

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Supreme Court Oral Argument Audio and Transcript

Presented by The Oyez Project at IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, 02 February 2014. Facts of the Case Doyle R. Paroline pled guilty to possession of 150-300 images of child pornography. Included among those files on his computer were two photographs of Amy Unknown, a victim of child pornography. He was sentenced to 24 months of incarceration followed by release under supervision. Under a federal statute that mandates full restitution to victims of child pornography by those convicted of creating, distributing or possessing such material, the Government and Amy sought ...

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Dutch National Rapporteur Speaking at NYU Law

NYU Law School DiscussionLegal Challenges and Strategies for Combating Sexual Violence against ChildrenA Discussion with the Dutch National Rapporteur on Trafficking in Human Beings and Sexual Violence against ChildrenMonday, February 3, 20146:00 PMNYU Law School Vanderbilt Hall Room 20640 Washington Square South, New York City Valid ID and RSVP are required for admission. Please email Audrey Watne: watnea@exchange.law.nyu.edu by January 31st to RSVP. The event will be followed by a brief reception. CHRGJ is pleased to invite you to a lecture featuring Mrs. Corinne ...

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