Baylor’s strict conduct code may have silenced rape victims

Baylor University’s sexual assault scandal also has led investigators to question whether the school’s student conduct code may have driven some victims into silence.

Investigators with the Pepper Hamilton law firm who dug into Baylor’s response to rape claims found the school’s approach to drugs, alcohol and premarital sex “created barriers” for women who wanted to report sexual assaults.

A lawyer for several women who are suing the Baptist university says some women were told their families would be notified if they reported being raped.

Baylor says it has been making changes and not handing out conduct code violations for alcohol, drugs or sex when it comes to allegations of sexual assault.

A Baylor spokeswoman says its student code of conduct remains an important part of its faith-based education.