U. of Montana May Have a Gap in Reporting Sexual Assaults, Investigator Warns

A former state Supreme Court justice who is directing an investigation of allegations of sexual assault involving students at the University of Montana wrote in a preliminary report made public on Tuesday that she needed more time to complete her work, but expressed concern that the university “appears to have a gap in reporting sexual assaults.” In a statement, the university said it was aggressively pursuing the investigation. More than 30 witnesses, “including students, coaches, student-athletes, administrators, and members of the public,” have been interviewed so far, it said. Justice Diane Barz, who is leading the inquiry, said in her report that the university should enhance its safety information for students regarding date rape and alcohol misuse, suggesting a Syracuse University Web site as a model.