Hart wants Tennessee to lead in addressing sexual assault

(AP) — Tennessee athletic director Dave Hart wants the school to play a leading role in addressing sexual assault after the recent settlement of a Title IX lawsuit filed against the university.

The school agreed last month to pay $2.48 million to settle a lawsuit filed in February by eight unidentified women who said the university created a "hostile sexual environment" through a policy of indifference toward assault complaints against athletes.

Under the terms of the settlement, Tennessee agreed to change its rules regarding student disciplinary hearings and use "its best efforts to enforce mandatory sexual assault training" for school employees reasonably likely to be among the first to learn about potential cases.

The school also is adding seven employees to the two offices that deal with sexual assault investigations and support for victims of sexual misconduct and stalking.

The lawsuit was part of a turbulent year for Tennessee that also included the death of former women's basketball coach Pat Summitt and the announcement that chancellor Jimmy Cheek is stepping down to return to a teaching role.

On the field, Tennessee is the preseason favorite to capture the Southeastern Conference Eastern Division football title after ending the 2015 season on a six-game winning streak.

In the classroom, Tennessee's Academic Progress Rate for football was low enough in 2013 that it faced the likelihood of penalties if it didn't improve.