Lawsuit Filed Against Baylor University Claiming Officials Ignored Widespread Sexual Abuse
ESPN reports on Friday a lawsuit was filed against Baylor University by a former student who claims not only did officials ignore sexual abuse but claims alcohol and drugs were given to recruits. The lawsuit also claims that female students were encouraged to have sex with recruits and current players as part of the hostess program.
The lawyers for the plaintiff claim their investigation found proof of 52 acts of rape, by at least 31 Baylor football players from 2011 to 2014. The claim is much larger than the 17 reports of sexual and physical attacks involving 19 players from 2011 to fall 2016 that Baylor acknowledges.
The Lawsuit states "From 2009-15, Baylor football players were responsible for numerous crimes involving violent physical assault, armed robbery, burglary, drugs, guns, and, notably, the most widespread culture of sexual violence and abuse of women ever reported in a collegiate athletic program.."
Baylor University President David Garland responded with this statement "Our hearts go out to any victims of sexual assault. Any assault involving members of our campus community is reprehensible and inexcusable," he said. "Baylor University has taken unprecedented actions that have been well-documented in response to the issue of past and alleged sexual assaults involving our campus community. We have made great progress in implementing 105 recommendations to strengthen the safety and security of all students and restore faith in the University, in addition to searching for a new president and the hiring of athletic director Mack Rhoades and head football coach Matt Rhule who reflect the highest levels of character and integrity. Baylor has made a strong commitment to a values-driven culture in accordance with our Christian mission."