UA settles lawsuit pledging resources, policy changes for sexual assault victims

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The University of Alabama has reached a settlement agreement in a lawsuit filed on behalf of Megan Rondini, a former student who killed herself after reporting a sexual assault as a student.

The University, along with Megan’s parents Michael and Cindy Rondini, issued a statement Tuesday announcing the settlement. Going forward, the university announced they will continue to work to eliminate sexual misconduct, and in the event it does occur, provide support to the victims and hold the perpetrators accountable.

Per the settlement, in Megan Rondini’s honor, the University is undertaking the following:

  • The University has committed $250,000 to the Tuscaloosa SAFE Center, Inc. to provide facilities and services to aid and support victims of sexual assault. Additionally, University representatives are taking a key role in supporting the Tuscaloosa SAFE Center and building strong partnerships that will ensure its success.
  • The University currently has several programs to address issues associated with sexual misconduct. The University regularly assesses the programs and efforts in place to eliminate sexual misconduct from the campus community and to provide assistance to those who may be affected by alleged sexual misconduct. In furtherance of that, the University is committing an additional $150,000 by the end of 2019 to continue its efforts to add personnel to its team of employees dedicated to addressing issues associated with sexual misconduct.
  • The University is continually exploring new strategies and innovative technology that will enhance reporting systems and provide important data to the University so that it can better understand campus trends related to sexual misconduct.
  • Over the next five years, the University will contribute a total of $50,000 in a scholarship named after Megan Rondini. The scholarship will give preference to students focusing their studies at the University on biological sciences, veterinary studies, and/or STEM/MBA and a desire to promote gender equity in those fields.
  • The University will posthumously award Megan Rondini a magna cum laude B.S. degree with an accompanying certificate from the University’s Honors College dated May 2018.

The lawsuit is still pending and will proceed against T.J. Bunn and two investigators.