Jan 13, 2015 01:37 PM EST By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

The U.S. Education Department has confirmed Columbia University to be under investigation for alleged Title IX and Title II violations.

According to the Huffington Post, the ED announced Monday their Office of Civil Rights (OCR) had begun a Title IX compliance review at the Ivy League institution Thursday. Both investigations stem from a complaint filed initially by 23 Columbia students and alumni in April.

While the Title IX probe is related to sexual assault, the Title II review is related to a complaint against alleged discrimination against person(s) with disabilities.

"In light of recent guidance from the White House and OCR and new federal regulations, we have updated our policies, strengthened our procedures, and enhanced our team of professionals dedicated to preventing and responding to sexual assault and other forms of gender-based misconduct," Victoria Benitez, a Columbia spokeswoman, said in a statement. "Major additional measures are planned, including a sexual violence prevention initiative involving students, faculty, and gender-violence experts that will be announced shortly. In keeping with University policy, we cannot comment further on the OCR investigation."

Since the spring, the complaint has grown to include 28 names, as the matter has grabbed national headlines as well. During that time, for example, Columbia visual arts major Emma Sulkowicz began a demonstration in which she vowed to carry her mattress around campus until the man she accused of raping her on that mattress is removed from campus.

The OCR is also investigating Barnard College, Columbia's all-women's liberal arts school. An ED spokesperson told the Columbia Spector they "always considered Columbia and Barnard to be separate institutions and handled cases accordingly."

"I am so grateful that the federal government is stepping in to help keep students safe at Columbia," Zoe Ridolfi-Starr, a lead complainant, told the HP. "For the last two years, I have felt betrayed by my school and didn't know who to turn to. Despite months of protests and many survivors coming forward with painful stories of violence and mistreatment, Columbia is still failing to address sexual and dating violence on campus."

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