Campus reports alleged sexual assaults

Northwest Missouri State University Police Department reported Tuesday that it had received information indicating two students were sexually assaulted Saturday, Sept. 19, at 530 W. Ninth St., which is the location of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity house.

According to a “Clery release” distributed to the Northwest student body, neither victim provided a description of two unknown male suspects. The message stated that no additional details were available.

The same release said campus police also received a report from two female students who claimed that drugs were placed in their drinks at 622 N. Walnut, which is the location of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity house.

Northwest’s Title IX office is investigating the reports, the release said.

The federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, was signed into law in 1990. It requires all colleges and universities participating in federal financial aid programs to disclose and file information about crime on and near their campuses.

Maryville Public Safety Director Keith Wood and Northwest Police Chief Clarence Green said they understood that both incidents have been classed as Title IX reports, meaning that the alleged victims have chosen to remain anonymous and are declining to press charges.

As a legal matter, such reports are considered for statistical information only, meaning that law officers are not allowed to investigate or otherwise respond as if a crime has been committed unless a victim or witness decides to request charges.