In June, the University of Oregon suspended three student athletes for violating sexual misconduct policies. Soon after, a panel of specialists convened to review those policies. Now, the panel is seeking input from the community.
If people have anything to say about sexual assault on the UO campus, this is their opportunity.
The President’s Review Panel on Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Efforts scheduled their first public input session for this Wednesday. Attendees can sign up to speak for 3 minutes each. People may also submit written comments on a page on Interim President Scott Coltrane’s website.
Retired Oregon Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Deits chairs the eight-person panel. She says they are in “listening mode.”
“I really would encourage individuals who have views on this issue both in terms of positive things that the University might be doing well. Or negative things that they feel there are some gaps in the actions of the University. And we want to hear that.”
The three former UO basketball players were never formally charged. Prosecutors feared a lack of evidence would not secure convictions. However, Federal Title IX law required an internal investigation by the University. Deits says one of the jobs of the panel is to review state and federal laws and legal requirements when it comes to responding to sexual misconduct on campus.