Rumors had been surfacing that Baylor University president and chancellor is about to get the cut. The nation's leading Baptist university is under fire amid allegations of sexual assaults that it let get away; and the blame is now being pointed to Ken Starr.
In 2015, the school board of Baylor University commissioned the help of Philadelphia law firm, Pepper Hamilton, to investigate on cases of sexual assaults in the campus. The report's findings showed the leniency the university has been implementing on sexual assault cases (via Fox News).
For instance, Samuel Ukwuachu, who was kicked out of Boise State University because of sexual assault charges, was accepted to play for Baylor University's football team. In 2015, ESPN published reports of sexual assault cases mostly involving football players that the university has kept mum about (via Inside Higher Ed). Around eight football players has been charged of women violence for the last eight years (via The Washington Post).
These raised questions on the priority given by Baylor University to respond to sexual assault cases. According to Inside Higher Ed, the Pepper Hamilton report revealed that Ken Starr gave second chances, particularly being more forgiving to athletes, especially those part of the football team.
Before accepting the highest post in Baylor University's on 2010, Ken Starr has gained fame as the special prosecutor in Bill Clinton's case that involved the former president's sexual relationship with Monica Lewinsky. Ken Starr was a renowned judge (via Fox News).
According to The Washington Post, Kenn Star instantly made headlines when he became the first non-Baptist president of Baylor University who has deep ties with the GOP. Upon assuming his post, he committed himself to improving the football team of the university. True enough, after nine seasons of being with the institution, the Baylor Bears have won two Big-12 championships (via Fox News).
Debates then arose if a heavily religious institution aiming for athletic success can stain its strong Christian identity. Is an ambition of further football stardom too much for a religious, educational institution?
The answer is shrouded with more questions but it can't be denied that the football match victories had become a profit maker for Baylor University. It was able to fund the construction of a $266 million stadium and raised $400 million for other campus projects that included a new building for business courses and a $100 million scholarship program (via Inside Higher Ed).
Up to now, the board's final decision is still unknown. At current time, Ken Starr is still Baylor University's President and Chancellor until announced otherwise (via Fox News). He can either be fired, resign himself or continue working as part of the faculty (via Inside Higher Ed).
"The Baylor Board of Regents continues its work to review the findings of the Pepper Hamilton investigation and we anticipate further communication will come after the Board completes its deliberations. We will not respond to rumors, speculation or reports based on unnamed sources, but when official news is available, the University will provide it. We expect an announcement by June 3," spokeswoman Tonya Lewis said in a statement published by Fox News.
Do you think the board should fire Ken Starr or could it do other efforts to improve Baylor University's response to sexual assault cases? Sound off your thoughts on the Comments section below and follow Parent Herald for more news and updates.
