Tufts, U.S. Settle Sexual Assaults Policy Dispute

Tufts University has settled a dispute with the U.S. Education Department over compliance with sexual assault policy.

Tufts president Anthony Monaco said Friday he met this week with a department representative to discuss its concerns about the university's current policies for handling campus sexual assault complaints.

Monaco said he reaffirmed the agreement the university revoked in April after the Education Department said it wasn't compliant with Title IX, a federal law that prohibits sex discrimination and affects federal education funding.

Catherine Lhamon, assistant Education Department secretary for civil rights, commended Tufts for "taking swift action" and thanked Monaco.

The Boston-area university said it has worked closely with the Education Department and made several improvements since the federal investigation began in 2010.

The department is investigating sexual assault policies at 55 U.S. colleges, including six others in Massachusetts.