US agency concludes inquiry into sex assaults at Occidental

Investigators concluded that aside from those cases, the small, private liberal arts college did not violate federal civil rights statutes.

"Where we had concerns, Occidental leaders committed to taking appropriate steps to ensure student safety," Catherine Lhamon, the department's assistant secretary for civil rights, said.

Thirty-seven students and alumni filed a federal complaint in 2013 accusing Occidental administrators of violating equal rights standards when dealing with rape, sexual assault and retaliation claims.

In 2011, the Department of Education sent a letter to universities advising that sexual harassment and acts of sexual violence are a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX.