New Government Watchdog Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence in College Athletics
WASHINGTON – Today the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a new reportabout sexual harassment and violence in college athletics. The report found that college athletes face unique barriers to reporting sexual harassment and violence, highlighting the need for increased protection and support for student athletes.
House Committee on Education and the Workforce Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) and the Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Subcommittee Ranking Member Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) requested the report from GAO.
“College athletes must overcome a myriad of barriers when pursuing their education and athletic career goals. This report serves as a reminder that those unique circumstances require equally unique support systems to protect against abuse and maintain a healthy sports culture,” said Scott. “Congress must work to ensure that all students on campus can pursue their educational goals in a safe and supportive environment. We must pass the Fair Play for Women Act to level the playing field in college sports, increase Title IX awareness, and hold institutions accountable. Together, we can create an environment where athletes have the support they need from their schools and coaches to advocate for themselves and their teammates.”
“Every instance of sexual harassment and violence must be taken seriously,” said Bonamici. “It’s troubling that some student athletes don’t feel safe reporting sexual harassment and violence and that systemic barriers prevent them from receiving the help they need. Informing students of their Title IX rights and enforcing the protections they provide will be key to breaking this?culture of silence.”?
According to the GAO, “sports culture” can make it difficult to safely report sexual harassment of violence. Team dynamics, relationships with coaches, and scholarship concerns all affect the ability of a student athlete to feel empowered and able to report abuses. Specifically, GAO identified several hurdles that prevent student athletes from reporting sexual harassment and violence: fear of social repercussions, fear of impacts on athletic participation, and mistrust in the reporting process.
The GAO also highlighted the various ways that colleges have taken the initiative to address sexual harassment and violence in student athletics: anonymous reporting mechanisms, consolidated reporting structures, and additional health and wellness support.
Additionally, some colleges conduct regular training sessions on recognizing and reporting sexual harassment and violence under Title IX. However, these programs vary across institutions, as the Department of Education currently lacks authority to mandate Title IX training for students and staff??. In February 2024, Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) reintroduced the Fair Play for Women Act, which aims to address gaps in Title IX and increase accountability for college athletics programs.
To read the full report entitled “Sexual Harassment and Violence: Efforts to Help College Athletes,” click here.
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