Education

University of Kentucky student reports sexual assault in dorm room, campus police say

Sign for one of the entries to University of Kentucky campus is on Rose Street at Maxwell Street.
Sign for one of the entries to University of Kentucky campus is on Rose Street at Maxwell Street. cbertram@herald-leader.com

A University of Kentucky student reported they were sexually assaulted in a residence hall on Feb. 18, the university said Monday.

UK Police received a report of the sexual assault on Feb. 22, and said the two suspects are known to the victim.

The incident took place inside a suspect’s dorm room on campus, UK said in a crime bulletin issued Monday.

“The UK Police Department is actively investigating this incident, and the appropriate campus units are working with individuals involved to provide resources and support,” the university said.

The crime bulletin was issued in compliance with the Clery Act, which requires colleges and universities that receive federal funding to notify students of any crime that “represents a serious or continuing threat to the safety of the campus community,” according to the UKPD website.

There were five campus crime bulletins issued during the fall 2025 semester related to sexual assault. The spring semester began Jan. 13, and this is the second crime bulletin related to sexual assault sent since then.

The university offers several supports for students who are struggling with mental health or experiencing a crisis, including the Triage, Referral, Assistance and Crisis Support, which provides virtual and in-person support for students.

Instances of sexual assault can be reported to UK Police, or to the university’s Title IX coordinator.

The Title IX coordinator can be reached at 859-257-8927 or a report can be made on the Title IX website.

The Violence Intervention and Prevention Center can be contacted at 859-257-3574 for confidential services, support and referrals.

“Sexual assault is never the victim’s fault,” the bulletin said. “The only person responsible for sexual misconduct is the perpetrator.”

Monica Kast
Lexington Herald-Leader
Monica Kast covers higher education for the Herald-Leader and Kentucky.com. Previously, she covered higher education in Tennessee for the Knoxville News Sentinel. She is originally from Louisville, Kentucky, and is a graduate of Western Kentucky University. Support my work with a digital subscription
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