By Lea Kahn,.Staff Writer
LAWRENCE — An alleged sexual assault that occurred in a Rider University dormitory early Sunday morning is under investigation by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and the Lawrence Township Police Department.
The alleged assault occurred in Poyda Dorm and involved Rider University students, including a female student, said Casey DeBlasio of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office. The Prosecutor’s Office’s Special Victims Unit has been assigned to the investigation.
The incident was reported to the Lawrence Township Police Department at 5:55p.m. Sunday, and it is still under investigation. No charges have been filed at this time.
Rider University officials, meanwhile, said the school takes allegations of sexual assault “very seriously” and that the school is cooperating with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and the Lawrence Township Police Department in the investigation.
“Rider University is committed to sustaining an environment dedicated to learning and mutual respect,” said Rider University spokeswoman Kristine Brown.
“Rider has anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies in place which prohibit all forms of sexual assault, sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking,” Ms. Brown said.