St. Bonaventure University issued an alert Sunday about a reported sexual assault incident. In a Twitter report, St. Bona said over the weekend two people were sexually assaulted in an off-campus residence on East Union Street in the village of Allegany.
WBFO News requested an interview, but we were issued a written statement from the vice president for Student Affairs, Rick Trietley.
The statement said the college informed the campus community as part of its obligation under the federal Clery Act.
The statement indicated 'no criminal charges have been field', but the college is conducting its own investigation. The college said it takes these 'incidents very seriously' as part of federal Title IX obligations.
"St. Bonaventure University is aware of a reported incident of sexual assault early Sunday morning at an off-campus house on East Union Street in the village of Allegany. We informed the campus community of the incident Sunday morning as part of our obligations under the federal Jeanne Clery Act. Any reported incident of criminal sexual violence is deemed a threat to the community, even when the violation may have been committed by acquaintances of the reporting party, as was the case in this incident.
"While no criminal charges have been filed, the university has begun its own investigation into the incident. Long before the state's new Enough is Enough legislation was enacted, we've taken these incidents very seriously as part of our federal Title IX obligations. We reserve the right under the Student Code of Conduct to hold our students responsible for their behavior on and off campus."
The Twitter statement from Sunday stated "This is an alert from St. Bonaventure University. There were 2 sexual assaults reported at an off-campus residence. The victims are acquaint."
In October St. Bona had a reported alleged sexual assault on the campus. President Sr. Margaret Carney told WBFO News that an investigation was underway. "It's never a good way to start your day when that memo comes in or the call comes, but we respond immediately. We do everything in our power to minimize the trauma and get the truth of the matter adjudicated," stated Sr. Carney.
