U Of M's Chief Auditor To Review Handling Of Sexual Assault Investigation
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The University of Minnesota is moving forward with a new investigation of the sex assault case involving 10 Gopher football players.
Friday, the Board of Regents chair announced the independent review of the case for accountability and to identify areas of improvement.
The decision for an independent review on the handling of the Gopher football sexual assault case came in the final moments of the annual meeting of the Board of Regents.
"Today we decided that perhaps we should take another look back, review," Regent Chair Dean Johnson said.
Johnson announced the decision rather than putting it to a full board vote.
"But we can't sweep it under the rug, we can't dismiss it, we have to be up front about these matters and we as a board and administration have taken it very, very seriously," Johnson said.
An auditor will now look back on the case that involved 10 Gopher football players accused of sexually assaulting a fellow student. Charges against five were dismissed, one faces suspension and four face expulsion.
"But there have been some questions, some lagging questions," Johnson said. "Did the university subscribe to its policies, to the protocol and practices set forth in the student code of conduct?"
Every organization and department involved will be reviewed, including the initial police investigation, the Hennepin County Attorney's Office and the university panel that gave the final recommendations. For Johnson, it's a step to ensure confidence in the university and safety of students.
"What we have to do is make sure our house is in order and that we did what was appropriate, and certainly going forward that we have the machinery and the processes in place," Johnson said. "Our ultimate goal is to provide a safe campus climate for our students."
The review is expected to be completed by May.
The university does not see a conflict of interest using its auditor, saying she has rules and procedures to follow, and can bring in external experts.