University of Wyoming Title IX reports increase

LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) - Reports of sexual assault, harassment or discrimination have doubled at the University of Wyoming between 2016 and 2017.

UW Title IX coordinator Jim Osborn says the increase from 81 to 169 reports likely is the result of a greater willingness by victims to report incidents.

Osborn tells the Laramie Boomerang that sexual misconduct in general is underreported nationwide and that people are feeling more comfortable coming forward and seeking support and assistance.

He says the recent social media movements such as #MeToo likely play a role in the increasing number of reports although he could not correlate a spike in Title IX reports with the movements.

But while the number of reports has gone up, Osborn says there’s no indication of more bad behavior going on at the university.

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Information from: Laramie Boomerang, http://www.laramieboomerang.com