CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) _ The University of Virginia has released a new interim policy on sexual misconduct and “gender-based” violence. The policy prompted by an investigation by the U.S. Department of Education is effective immediately. The Daily Progress reports that the measure was implemented after about a year of work by administrators and students. The policy was expanded to include detailed descriptions of reporting procedures and sexual assault and misconduct education at the university. The Charlottesville school is one of about 150 institutions nationwide being investigated for potential violations of a federal law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in education. According to the new policy, complaints will be examined by the university’s full-time investigator or “an external investigator with relevant experience.” Students and employees also will be allowed to have an adviser at disciplinary hearings.
