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Baylor releases statement in response to Texas lawmakers’ calls for financial sanctions, investigation
Baylor released a statement Monday in response to a resolution filed by a Texas lawmaker that called on the governor to request a Texas Rangers investigation into whether the school had obstructed justice in responding to reports of rape.
The school said it renews its pledge to extend full cooperation to authorities surrounding sexual assaults within the campus community, adding that the Office of Civil Rights will have representatives on campus this week.
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“Our hearts are heavy at the thought of anyone experiencing sexual assault within the Baylor Family,” the school said. “As we have said previously, any such acts are reprehensible and unacceptable. The University remains committed to eliminating all forms of sexual and gender-based harassment and discrimination within our campus community.
“We continue to outline the unprecedented actions that Baylor has taken in response to the issue of sexual assaults involving our campus community.”
A group of Democratic state reps called for financial sanctions Monday and a criminal investigation into how Baylor handled rape allegations in recent years, according to the Texas Tribune.
“What has happened at Baylor is so far different than any university in the state,” Gutierrez said. “We can’t stop bad things from happening, but we sure as hell can demand accountability and we sure as hell can demand that people protect our children.”
Rep. Roland Gutierrez (D-San Antonio) filed House Resolution 664 on Friday in the Texas House of Representatives calling upon Gov. Greg Abbott to direct the Texas Rangers “with investigating the obstruction of justice surrounding the sexual assault of young female students at Baylor.”
“Over the last year, we have discovered the most horrific facts concerning rampant sexual assault and efforts by Baylor University administration to discourage and retaliate against sexual assault victims,” the resolution states.
Baylor said in its Monday statement that HR 664 “contains several factual inaccuracies and/or mischaracterizations,” and it notes strides the school police department has made in its response to sexual violence and campus safety.
Baylor coach Art Briles was fired and school president Ken Starr and athletic director Ian McCaw both eventually resigned in the aftermath of a May “findings of fact” the school’s board of regents released following an investigation by Pepper Hamilton. The Philadelphia-based law firm said Baylor didn’t comply with Title IX in its response to sexual assault reports and even discouraged reporting in some cases.
For more Baylor news, visit SicEmSports.com.
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Matt Fortuna is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
