Michigan State Title IX investigation complete

The Title IX investigation being conducted by Michigan State University into a sexual assault case involving three football players has been completed.

University spokesman Jason Cody confirmed on Monday the investigation was completed late last week. However, outcomes of the investigation will not be released because student privacy laws covered by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

In general, Title IX investigations, once completed, have two possible outcomes. According to Cody, if no university policy violation is found the matter would then be closed. If a policy violation was found the case would be sent to the school's student conduct system.

It would likely be a several-week process at that point before the student conduct system would decide on a punishment, which could include anything from probation or a suspension up to expulsion.

If the case reached that point and punishment was levied, there is a FERPA exception that allows universities to release the details. Those cases can typically include sexual assaults or crimes of violence.

The three players involved in the case remain suspended. It has also resulted in the suspension of staffer Curtis Blackwell.

The Title IX investigation was conducted by Rebecca Veidlinger, an independent Title IX consultant contracted by the school. It is also one of three taking place as a result of the alleged sexual assault.

Michigan State University Police conducted a criminal investigation of the incident that occurred in January and that has been under review by the Ingham County Prosecutor for a little more than two months.

The university is also conducting an investigation into football program staff’s compliance with university policy. That investigation being conducted by the Jones Day law firm is still ongoing, according to Cody.

mcharboneau@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @mattcharboneau