Occidental College settles with some women in sexual assault cases

Occidental College in Los Angeles has reached a monetary settlement with at least 10 current and former students who have alleged that the school repeatedly mishandled sexual assault accusations. The Los Angeles Times reports that under the terms of the pact, those who settled are barred from discussing publicly the college's handling of their cases. The women were among 37 Occidental students and alumni who alleged in a federal civil rights complaint earlier this year that the college deliberately discouraged victims from reporting sexual assaults, misled students about their rights during campus investigations, retaliated against whistle-blowers, and handed down minor punishment to known assailants who in some cases allegedly struck again. The settlement won't affect the federal action.