Memo to Campus from the President

The University of Montana has issued an initial report on an investigation into allegations of sexual assault involving students. The report is preliminary, and the University continues to aggressively pursue the investigation.

Former District and Montana Supreme Court Judge Diane Barz, who is directing the investigation for the University, completed and delivered the initial report to me on Dec. 31. The complete report is available online at http://umt.edu/president/.

Barz and her colleagues Lucy France, director of UM’s Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Office, and Charles Couture, UM dean of students, are investigating three allegations of sexual assault that may have occurred on or off campus. The investigative team has interviewed more than 30 witnesses to date, including students, coaches, student-athletes, administrators and members of the public.

UM now is actively investigating alleged student-to-student sexual violence, which under federal Title IX laws could indicate a hostile environment. The outcome of the investigation will be disclosed upon completion, in compliance with student and medical privacy laws.

As the report indicates, we do not have specific evidence implicating anyone at this time. The University takes these allegations seriously, and we are committed to aggressively pursuing the investigation. If the investigation uncovers sufficient evidence, we will take immediate action under the Student Code of Conduct.

I have also asked UM Vice President for Student Affairs Teresa Branch to increase educational outreach efforts on issues related to sexual assault, with new educational programs in place across campus when classes resume Jan. 23.

UM will continue to cooperate fully with any law enforcement agencies to move any possible criminal investigation forward. Anyone with information regarding the allegations can call France at 406-243-5710, email lucy.france@umontana.edu or submit a form available online at http://www.umt.edu/eo. 

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