An initial report on Tuesday said that Kenneth Starr had been ousted as Baylor University’s president in the wake of the Texas university’s sexual-assault scandal. Later in the day, the regent chairman of the university claimed that he was still holding his title. Starr, best known for his investigation that led to the impeachment of President Bill Clinton, has served in the post since June 2010. He was named chancellor three years later. The university recently received a comprehensive report on its response to sexual assaults from independent law firm Pepper Hamilton and its board of regents has been reviewing it.
School spokeswoman Lori Fogleman told The Daily Beast on Tuesday that the board is still reviewing the investigation’s findings. “We will not respond to rumors, speculation, or reports based on unnamed sources, but when official news is available, the university will provide it.” Fogleman said the school will likely make an announcement by June 3.
NFL draft hopeful Shawn Oakman was arrested in April on sexual-assault charges, and two other former Baylor football players, Tevin Elliott and Sam Ukwuachu, were convicted in the two previous years of sexual assaults. The Waco Tribune-Herald reported this month that a former tennis player has been under investigation for sexual assault for more than eight months. A fraternity president at the school was indicted this month on four counts of sexual assault after allegedly raping a teenager. Baylor has been in the spotlight over the past several years for its now-infamous poor handling of assaults, both involving athletes and other students. The victim in Elliott’s conviction filed a Title IX suit against the school in April claiming that Baylor showed “indifference” when she reported the incident.
In a statement after the report was released, Baylor said that the board “will carefully consider the information provided in the briefing and determine how to decisively act upon Pepper Hamilton’s findings and recommendations” and will be “guided by their faith.” “Thoroughly understanding the findings and acting on the recommendations to ensure the safety of all students are the board’s highest priority,” said Board of Regents Chairman Richard Willis. The school has not commented on the report’s specific findings.
—Olivia Messer