A former Oxford student launched a legal challenge against her university’s possibly discriminatory policies yesterday because the prestigious institution failed to investigate her reported rape.

After being allegedly sexually assaulted in 2011, US graduate student Elizabeth Ramey saw her case being dropped by the university and her attacker walk free.

Ms Ramey has waived her right to anonymity and with the support of End Violence Against Women Coalition (EVAW) is pursuing a judicial review of Oxford University’s procedures on harassment in London’s High Court.

The Office of the Independent Adjudicator, which regulates the university, recommended changes to the school’s policy, but Ms Ramey argues that the new guidelines still allow Oxford to avoid investigating rape and sexual assault.

“The university’s new policy will further discourage women from reporting sexual assaults, knowing that their cases are unlikely to be investigated or lead to disciplinary proceedings,” she said in written submissions lodged with the High Court.

According to Ms Ramey, not only did procedures place “an unfair emotional burden on women” but could also lead to greater risks for female students.

Her legal team is also expected to argue that Oxford’s negligent policy could create a substantial risk that women’s human rights will be violated if assaults are not investigated.

EVAW acting director Sarah Green saw the case as part of a “very widespread and serious problem.

“A National Union of Students survey found that one in four women students experienced some form of sexual assault, and 7 per cent had been subject to a serious sexual assault.

“It is essential that universities have robust policies for investigating rape to ensure women students are safe on campus.”

Ms Ramey’s case has been funded by the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

An Oxford spokesman denied the allegations, saying: “The university is robustly defending this application on all grounds and Ms Ramey’s application has already been refused permission on the papers.

“The harassment policy was developed through consultation with students and other interested parties and had regard to practice across UK higher education generally.”