April 30 (Reuters) – The U.S. Justice Department has opened
an investigation into the handling of numerous sexual assault
allegations involving students at the University of Montana,
where at least two members of the football team are accused of
rape.
University President Royce Engstrom told Reuters he was
informed of the inquiry during a 30-minute meeting in Missoula
on Monday.
Recent rape accusations against two prominent football
players, the abrupt dismissal of their coach and the university
athletic director, and a university report documenting at least
eight other alleged sexual assaults involving students have
shaken a school whose football team, the Montana Grizzlies, is
revered in the state.
(Reporting by Laura Zuckerman; Writing by Steve Gorman; Editing
by Cynthia Johnston)
