From editor Michael Barnett:
A commenter on the SA blog asks why Audai says he’s facing a sexual harassment charge when the University Police crime log lists his case as sexual assault (see the 11/7 Ivory Tower entry for sexual assault) .
There was some discussion last night among myself and other editors about whether referencing the crime log entry would foster confusion about the nature of the offense.
UPD sometimes lists cases under sexual assault that are later reclassified as other offenses; perhaps in this instance SJS is charging Audai with sexual harassment and UPD hasn’t changed its crime log. Also, UPD’s definition of sexual assault can encompass many alleged actions.
Since the University doesn’t discuss ongoing cases, especially ongoing sexual harassment cases, it’s unclear why the crime log lists the case under sexual assault. We resolved last night to remove the reference to sexual assault because leaving it in would foster the idea that Audai is being charged with sexual assault, when we have no indication that that’s the case.
The crime log entry needs to be clarified, and we are working to do that. Any discrepancies/clarifications will be incorporated into future articles.