LSU’s Title IX Investigations Could Take Up to Seven Months, Leaving Victims Waiting for Answers
Louisiana State University (LSU), the state’s flagship institution, has come under scrutiny for the length of its Title IX investigations, with some cases taking as long as seven months to resolve. A recent report revealed that LSU’s Title IX office, responsible for addressing complaints related to sexual harassment, misconduct, and discrimination, can take anywhere from 67 to 222 days to complete an investigation. This has raised concerns among student advocates, who argue that LSU must do better, especially after previous failures in handling such sensitive cases.
The issue has been years in the making. A USA Today investigation from 2020 uncovered significant flaws within LSU’s Title IX office, leading to widespread criticism of how the university handles complaints of sexual assault and harassment. Despite promises of reform and changes in leadership, some employees say the situation has only worsened, with toxic work culture and long delays in processing complaints becoming the norm.
Long Delays and Frustration: LSU’s Investigation Timeline
Earlier this month, Todd Manuel, LSU’s Vice President over the Division of Engagement, Civil Rights, and Title IX, shared the concerning statistics during a meeting with the Power-Based Violence Review Panel, a body under the Louisiana Board of Regents that advises state universities. According to Manuel, it can take LSU an average of 67 to 222 days to resolve Title IX investigations, with 222 days being an outlier.
While the number may seem high, the average length of investigations is still notably longer than at peer institutions. Across the University of Louisiana System, investigations are typically wrapped up in 45 to 60 days. At Southern University, it takes an average of 60 days, while Louisiana’s Community and Technical College System also averages between 60 and 90 days. The prolonged timeline at LSU has sparked criticism, with many questioning the effectiveness of the system in delivering timely justice to victims.
For victims who have already endured traumatic experiences, the lengthy process only adds to their suffering. As LSU’s Title IX office grapples with increasing caseloads and a reported decline in morale among staff, students and advocates are left wondering if the university is doing enough to address this urgent issue.
LSU’s Leadership: Promises vs. Reality
The Title IX office has faced significant leadership challenges in recent years. In 2022, LSU appointed Todd Manuel to oversee the division. Manuel, however, lacked experience in higher education and had spent most of his career in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) roles in the private sector. His appointment raised concerns from critics who questioned whether his background was adequate to lead such a crucial department at a university that had faced serious allegations of mishandling sexual assault cases.
Manuel’s tenure, though still in its early stages, has been marked by claims of a toxic environment within the Division of Engagement, Civil Rights, and Title IX. Three former employees, along with two student workers, spoke with the Louisiana Illuminator and Tiger Rag, describing an office marked by dysfunction and high turnover. Some say the delays in investigations are a direct result of this unhealthy work culture, as well as underresourcing and a lack of adequate staff training.
The university’s spokesperson, however, defended the office, stating that LSU has made significant strides in increasing staff and providing more comprehensive training for Title IX issues. Nevertheless, the issue of delayed investigations remains a point of contention for many, particularly those who have experienced firsthand the pain of waiting for justice.
A Missed Opportunity for Reform?
Despite LSU’s attempts at reform, including pledges to improve both the investigative process and the work environment for staff, little has changed in terms of the overall efficiency of Title IX investigations. The university has been under public scrutiny for years, and although some progress has been made, the delays are still far too common.
Advocates for students argue that LSU must take immediate action to address these concerns. They point to the increasing turnover within the Title IX office as a sign that the current approach is failing both employees and students alike. If LSU truly wants to prove its commitment to addressing sexual misconduct and discrimination on campus, it will need to prioritize both faster investigations and a healthier, more supportive work culture for those tasked with ensuring accountability.
With more than four years passed since the initial investigation into LSU’s handling of Title IX complaints, advocates insist the university must act swiftly before more students fall victim to a system that too often fails to meet their needs.
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