Kenneth Starr Demoted from Baylor President to Chancellor
Baylor University's Ken Starr was officially removed from the role of president Thursday amid an ongoing sexual-assault scandal revolving around the athletic department.
The school posted an announcement detailing a series of changes on its official site. Though no longer the president, Starr will stay on as the Louise L. Morrison Chair of Constitutional Law and reached an agreement in principle to serve as chancellor, though the terms are still being discussed.
Other notable moves included head football coach Art Briles being suspended indefinitely with "intent to terminate" and athletic director Ian McCaw was "sanctioned and placed on probation."
The release also featured a statement from board of regents chairman Richard Willis:
"We were horrified by the extent of these acts of sexual violence on our campus. This investigation revealed the University's mishandling of reports in what should have been a supportive, responsive and caring environment for students. The depth to which these acts occurred shocked and outraged us. Our students and their families deserve more, and we have committed our full attention to improving our processes, establishing accountability and ensuring appropriate actions are taken to support former, current and future students.
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Chip Brown of Horns Digest reported Tuesday the regents board blamed Starr for a lack of leadership during a period when multiple rape and assault allegations were made against Bears football players.
The Associated Press reported earlier this month that Pepper Hamilton had delivered the findings of its probe. While the school wouldn't say whether the results would eventually be made public, Willis commented on the next step.
"These deliberations are vital as we seek to preserve and reinforce trust in Baylor University," Willis said. "Thoroughly understanding the findings and acting on the recommendations to ensure the safety of all students are the board's highest priority."
The reports about Starr's removal as president come after Paula Lavigne and Mark Schlabach of Outside the Lines (via ESPN.com) reported last week on a set of previously unreported allegations of sexual assault and other acts of violence involving Bears football players found by a review of police records.
One woman told OTL she wasn't the only person she knew who went through a similar situation.
"I'd seen other girls go through it, and nothing ever happened to the football players," she said. "It's mind-boggling to see it continue to happen. I can't understand why. I think as long as they're catching footballs and scoring touchdowns, the school won't do anything."
In March, Nick Martin of the Washington Post reported Jasmin Hernandez filed a lawsuit against the Baylor board of regents for the school's failure to provide the necessary support after being raped by former player Tevin Elliott, who's currently serving 20 years in prison.
Bruce Tomaso of the Dallas Morning News provided further background information about the scandal, which includes at least three football players being charged with sexual assault since 2014.
