Baylor University investigates 3 allegations of rape at student dorm

WACO, Texas -- Baylor University is investigating three allegations of rape at a residence hall involving the same individuals.

The string of sexual assaults reported on Monday all occurred at the Waco campus' South Russell Hall since December, according to campus police crime logs.

Baylor spokeswoman Tonya Hudson said the cases were referred to the university's Title IX office, which investigates sexual assault claims under the federal law barring gender-based discrimination in schools. Hudson said she doesn't know if the reports are under criminal investigation.

The reports follow a slew of accusations that the country's largest Baptist university has failed to properly investigate sexual assault allegations involving students for years. The university came under attack after a sexual assault scandal surrounding its football team in 2016, which resulted in the firing of then-football coach Art Briles and the demotion of the university's president, Ken Starr.

The university since then has settled several lawsuits from women who said their allegations of sexual assault by football players were mishandled or ignored.

Baylor officials settled a federal lawsuit last year involving a former volleyball player who said she was drugged and gang raped by members of the football team in 2012.

A former Baylor student accused of raping a woman at a fraternity party was granted a plea deal in December that let him avoid serving jail time.