WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP)-- Though some of the nation's largest universities receive more sexual assault complaints from students living off-campus than from school property, the schools' obligation to address those off-campus cases could be dramatically reduced under a federal proposal.
Data obtained by The Associated Press show off-campus cases outnumber those from school grounds at the University of Texas, Texas A&M University, Arizona State University and elsewhere.
Schools now are advised to address any sexual misconduct that disrupts a student's education. But a proposal by the U.S. Education Department would require investigations only for misconduct in their "programs or activities."
Opponents say the rule would leave students vulnerable where most of them live.
Supporters say existing rules are too burdensome.
A public comment period drew more than 104,000 responses, the most in department history.
