Sexual Assault at PAFA: A Case Study in Campus Safety and Institutional Response

In 2016, two undergraduate students at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA) reported being sexually assaulted by a fellow student. This case has since become a focal point for discussions about campus safety, institutional accountability, and the challenges faced by survivors of sexual assault in educational settings in PA.

The Incident and Initial Response

Madison Koczo and Chloe Gress, both 21 at the time, reported waking up to find themselves being sexually assaulted by a graduate student after a night out in Center City, Philadelphia. The women filed formal complaints with PAFA's Title IX coordinator about a month after the incident.

PAFA's Handling of the Case

The investigation into the women's complaints took nearly five months to complete, significantly longer than the 60-day timeframe typically expected under federal guidelines. During this period:

• The accused student continued to attend classes
• Koczo reported encountering the accused in an elevator
• The accused student's image remained on third-party advertising near the PAFA campus

Outcome and Aftermath

PAFA ultimately concluded that the accused had engaged in sexual assault. He was expelled and banned from campus. However, the case continued to impact the institution and those involved:

• An adjunct professor claimed she was unfairly fired for questioning the handling of the case
• A women's board member reported being removed after persistently challenging the school's response to sexual misconduct

Broader Implications for Campus Safety

This case highlights several critical issues in campus sexual assault response:

• The importance of timely investigations
• The need for interim measures to protect complainants during investigations
• The potential for retaliation against those who speak out about institutional shortcomings

Lessons for Pennsylvania Schools

Educational institutions in Pennsylvania can learn from this case by:

• Ensuring Title IX coordinators have adequate training and resources
• Implementing clear policies for separating complainants and accused during investigations
• Fostering a culture that encourages reporting and supports survivors

Attorney Commentary

Ashley DiLiberto, Esq., a Pennsylvania attorney specializing in campus sexual assault cases, offers the following insight: "The PAFA case underscores the critical importance of proper Title IX procedures in Pennsylvania schools. Institutions must prioritize timely investigations, implement effective interim measures, and create an environment where survivors feel supported throughout the reporting process. It's also crucial for schools to have clear policies against retaliation for those who speak out about sexual misconduct. Cases like this remind us of the ongoing need for vigilance and improvement in campus safety protocols."

Source: 

https://www.inquirer.com/news/sexual-assault-title-ix-pennsylvania-academy-fine-arts-philadelphia-20191202.html