|
STATEMENT
ON CURRENT ALLEGATIONS
From La Salle University President Brother Michael McGinniss
Since
I became aware on Friday that members of the men’s basketball
team have been accused not only of a rape last week but also of
another one last spring, I have launched a full-scale internal investigation
to determine the facts and to act appropriately.
On
one hand, the University is working closely with the Philadelphia
Police Department in their efforts to investigate the cases, including
their search for evidence and our facilitating interviews with the
relevant University community members.
Internally,
we are conducting our own interviews to determine if and when University
rules and regulations have been violated. These rules and regulations
apply to student behavior as well as to employees’ reporting
requirements of sexual harassment in its various forms.
That
we have drawn no conclusions at this point should come as no surprise
to anyone familiar with such investigations. As we know all too
well, accounts of what happened in a given situation often vary
greatly and are at times in stark contrast to others’ accounts.
Having said that, we are committed to getting at the truth as quickly
as possible.
We
are asking for understanding as we work through this process. We
do not want to jump to any conclusions, nor do we want to be in
violation of anyone’s rights. We are trusting that the deliberateness
of this effort is not misinterpreted as not being open, but rather
as our desire to get it right.
While
I cannot yet address the accuracy of these specific reports, I can
say that the University takes very seriously any sexual misconduct
by our students and any failure to report such conduct to the proper
University officials. Any such behavior is appalling, and we will
not tolerate it from anyone.
|
