The University of Colorado announced today that they will pay Lisa Simpson $2.5 million in order to settle her Title IX lawsuit against the school. Simpson sued the University of Colorado after attending an off-campus where she was sexually assaulted by football recruits in December of 2001.
Moving to End Sexual Assault (MESA), Boulder County's rape crisis center, supports Simpson in her decision to file charges against the school as well as her decision to settle the case. MESA applauds the changes at the University of Colorado, and the University's Athletic Department in particular, that were catalyzed by the Simpson suit.
"All that Simpson wanted was change in terms of University's recruiting practices," says Dr. Janine D'Anniballe, MESA's Executive Director. "She wasn't seeking monetary gain. She simply wanted change."
The Title IX lawsuit was settled almost six years to the day from the night of the party where Simpson was sexually assaulted. While the announcement of the settlement will no doubt bring one chapter in Simpson's life to a close, it is important to remember that sexual assault impacts survivors for the duration of their lives.
"Just because Lisa Simpson's case is settled, doesn't mean she forgets the assault," says D'Anniballe. "Survivors deal with the impact of sexual assault for the rest of their lives. No amount of money is going to change that for Lisa Simpson. She will be impacted by the assault forever."
MESA operates a 24-hour hotline that is available to survivors of sexual assault as well as a survivor's friends and family. Additionally, anyone with questions about sexual assault may call the hotline. MESA's hotline is staffed by trained volunteer counselors and can be reached by calling 303.443.7300.
