Child Sex Abuse Scandal Sparks Investigation of Penn State University

Problems are compounding for officials at Penn State amid the child sexual abuse scandal involving a former assistant football coach.   The U. S. Department of Education will look at whether Penn State University failed to comply with the Clery Act in regard to allegations of sex offenses on campus involving former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky. 

Under the act, a college or university is required to disclose the number of criminal offenses on campus that are reported each year. It also requires a school to issue a timely warning if a reported crime represents a threat to the campus community. 

The investigation will be conducted by the Office of Federal Student Aid and as it proceeds, the Office of Civil Rights will assess whether further investigation or enforcement action is warranted.