Three rapes have been reported in one residence hall at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, and the university says the attacks are believed to be connected.
The Waco Tribune-Herald reports that the university's Title IX office this week is investigating three rapes that occurred at South Russell Residence Hall on Dec. 2, Jan. 19 and Jan. 20, according to the Baylor Campus Crime and Fire Log.
The reports involved the same individuals and are believed to be connected, authorities say.
Baylor sent a letter to South Russell residents Thursday saying the rape allegations occurred among the same individuals.
“We take these allegations very seriously, and our firm commitment to our students is to ensure the safety and security of our campus community,” the letter states.
It could not be determined if the three reported incidents are also under criminal investigation.
A student can report a sexual assault of any kind to the Title IX office and forgo a criminal investigation, authorities say. It is up to the student whether to pursue criminal charges or seek administrative action enforced by the school pending the completion of a Title IX investigation.
Last year, Baylor listed 12 reports of rape on campus premises in 2017, according to the school's Clery Act report released in 2018.
According to Clery Act requirements, universities must maintain a daily crime log with information from numerous sources. Baylor collects information from anonymous report forms, student misconduct forms, Campus Security Authorities forms, Waco daily crime reports, or reports made directly to campus police or local law enforcement agency.
