Findings of an independent and external review of Baylor’s institutional response to Title IX revealed the university failed to prioritize Title IX implementation and support for complainants through interim measures was inconsistent.
“The University as a whole failed to prioritize Title IX implementation. Implementation efforts were slow, ad hoc, diffuse, and uncoordinated,” the Baylor University Board of Regents Findings of Fact stated.
According to the Pepper Hamilton Findings of Fact, in some cases the university failed to take action and eliminate a potential hostile environment, prevent its occurrence and address effects for individual complainants.
The firm found examples of actions by administrators who discouraged complainants from reporting or participating in student conduct processes.
“In addition to broader University failings, Pepper found specific failings with both the football Program and Athletics Department Leadership, including a failure to identify and respond to a pattern of sexual violence by a football player, to take action in response to reports of a sexual assault by multiple football players and to take action in response to reports of dating violence,” the Baylor University Board of Regents Findings of Fact stated.
Pepper interviewed more than 65 people, including current employees, former employees, current students and former students. Witnesses across multiple departments were interviewed, including the President’s Office, Athletics Compliance, Baylor University Police and the Title IX Office.
News Channel 25 will provide more information regarding the findings on News Channel 25 at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.
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