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SMU task force says outreach, education about sexual assaults needed

Published: May 8, 2013 at 4:02 PM

DALLAS, May 8 (UPI) -- Southern Methodist University's task force on campus assaults Wednesday urged leaders to step up their response to sexual violence.

The 20-member task force, appointed last fall by SMU President R. Gerald Turner after the Dallas school was criticized for its handling of sexual assault cases, offered 41 recommendations in its 22-page report, including new education and prevention programs, more sexual assault counselors and additional ways for students to report crimes.

Dallas County District Attorney Craig Watkins was among those who questioned if the school responded adequately to keep victims and other students safe.

Five SMU students reported sexual assaults in 2012, and two students were arrested on sexual assault allegations. Charges were dropped in one case, and the trial for Donald Cuba, accused of raping a student in a dorm, will begin May 20, The Dallas Morning News reported Wednesday.

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