Probe launched into Gwinnett schools' sex assault cases

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. (AP) The U.S. Department of Education's Civil Rights Office has launched a federal investigation into the Gwinnett County Public School District's handling of two cases in which students have been accused of sexual misconduct.

Federal officials are investigating whether the district violated Title IX while reviewing the cases. Title IX is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex.

A representative for the U.S. Department of Education says one case stems from a complaint filed in March, while the other federal probe was opened at the district on Sept. 15. The representative would not comment specifically on the nature of the accusations.

Gwinnett County Public Schools spokeswoman Sloan Roach says the district cannot comment on the investigation. She says officials are cooperating with investigators.