Ohio State announces series of anti-sexual assault efforts

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio State University is announcing initiatives aimed at reducing sexual assaults on campus, including mandatory sexual-violence awareness training for all freshmen next year.

The efforts being unveiled today include online training for all students beginning next week, the hiring of an additional sexual violence prevention coordinator and more advocates to support students.

“We are deeply concerned by sexual misconduct and relationship violence both at Ohio State and at institutions of higher learning across the nation,” President Michael Drake said in a statement provided to The Associated Press. “Campuses must be safe places to learn and grow.”

A task force including students, staff and faculty also will brainstorm new ways to prevent and respond to such misconduct and violence.

Vice President Joe Biden was scheduled to speak at OSU tonight to promote national efforts to combat sexual assaults on campuses.

A year ago, the U.S. Department of Education announced it was closing a four-year investigation into the university’s handling of sexual abuse allegations. That action followed the firing of marching band director Jonathan Waters, who university investigators said ignored a “sexualized culture” of rituals and traditions.