By TRENTON JUDD
Staff Reporter
Officials said the alleged Jan. 27 rape of a 13-year-old girl in Coronado Hall is still under investigation, and the university will continue to uphold the safety policies that are in place.
Woodward Freshman and Biology major, Alejandro Martinez, 18, was arrested for second-degree rape of the girl Jan. 28 after they met online, and she came to the dorm the previous day.
Alva police said they are still investigating the incident.
Northwestern will continue to uphold and exercise the safety policies that are already in place, Associate Vice President for University Relations Steven Valencia said.
According to the Residence Hall Handbook, “any visitor under the age of eighteen must have the approval of the Hall Supervisor or the Director of Students. Violations of this policy may result in fines or suspension of university housing privileges.”
Northwestern’s Sexual Misconduct Policy says, “Northwestern Oklahoma State University is committed to addressing sexual misconduct. Northwestern Oklahoma State University does not condone any form of sexual misconduct whether physical, mental, verbal, or emotional in nature. This includes actions that are demeaning and includes but is not limited to: rape, acquaintance rape, sexual battery, and sexual harassment. Sexual misconduct by any member of the university community including students, faculty, employees, or staff is a violation of both the law and the Regional University’s Policies.”
Under the Investigation Process section in the Sexual Misconduct Policy, it states, “The University reserves the right to take whatever measures it deems necessary in response to an allegation of sexual misconduct in order to protect students’ rights and personal safety. An investigation will begin once the victim has reported a crime and requested an investigation or the Sexual Assault Response Team has determined that an investigation will take place in order to provide a safe, non-discriminatory environment for all students. The investigation may include, but is not limited to, conducting interviews of the complainant, the alleged perpetrator, and any witnesses; reviewing law enforcement investigation documents, if applicable; reviewing student and personnel files; and gathering and examining other relevant documents or evidence. The investigation will begin as soon as the complaint is filed and will be resolved within 60 days. The victim and alleged perpetrator will be notified if additional time is needed to render a decision.”
Some students were shocked when they read about the incident, and other students, who claimed to have not read the paper, still believe the investigation is due to a supposed drug bust, but students questioned by a reporter appeared to be unaffected by the news of the incident.
Further details of the Coronado Hall incident will be revealed as the investigation continues, officials said.