Response To UNCSA Alumni Lawsuit

Subject: Response to UNCSA alumni lawsuit
Date: Monday, October 4, 2021 at 6:50:19 PM Eastern Daylight Time

From: Chancellor Cole
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Dear UNCSA Community,
On Friday, we learned that seven of our former students and alumni have filed
a lawsuit against UNCSA and seven former administrators and faculty
members. The complaint, which we received this morning, alleges sexual
abuse of minor students by faculty members in the 1970s and 1980s, as well as
concerns about how UNCSA responded to reports of abuse made at that time.
The UNCSA community cares deeply about the safety and welfare of our
students and alumni. The words in this letter feel inadequate to express the
extent of our distress. Simply stated, we are horrified by the allegations of
sexual abuse and are appalled by the concept that sexual abuse could happen
under the guise of artistic training. We recognize that the words here are only a
start — it is our actions that will most clearly communicate the strength of our
commitment.
The allegations in the complaint are deeply disturbing and run counter to
UNCSA’s institutional values. While they have been raised in the context of a
lawsuit against UNCSA, it is our intent to respond to this litigation in a manner
consistent with our institutional values — to listen to the accounts with
openness; to appreciate the courage it took for our former students and alumni
to share their experiences, especially given the long-term impacts of trauma
many have described; and to take steps to acknowledge and address any
historical sexual misconduct with candor and compassion.
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Some of the reports in the current lawsuit surfaced in 1995. In response, the
UNC Board of Governors formed an independent commission of North Carolina
citizens to review and respond to the concerns vocalized at the time about
culture, climate and potential abuse. The commission took steps to investigate
the allegations and create a report which found no widespread sexual
misconduct at UNCSA. The report, which was delivered to the Board of
Governors, resulted in policy changes across the UNC System.
The records from the time of the reported abuse and the commission are
sparse, both in terms of what may have been reported to the university
contemporaneously as well as how the university responded. We do not know
enough about the commission to comment on its approach, its
comprehensiveness, or how it would be viewed from today's standards. Over
the past few months, we have been working to research and learn more about
the historical context. We have also been working to share information openly
and candidly with the media in response to their public records requests and
our shared commitment to shining a light on these issues that are often hidden
in society.
What we do know is that all of the recommendations from the commission are
in place now. UNCSA adopted the UNC Board of Governors Policy for Improper
Relationships between students and employees in 1996. UNCSA later
implemented its own more restrictive Improper Relations Policy, which prohibits
all amorous relationships between faculty and students. UNCSA also
implemented the recommendations for: a network of trusted employees to
receive reports of misconduct; realignment of the power differential between
students and faculty; a more visible involvement by the deans and chancellor;
establishment of a division of student affairs; protections from retaliation; clear
distinctions between artistic freedom and misconduct; and a better
understanding of the high school experience.
In the decades following the time of this reported misconduct, society’s

understanding of child sexual abuse, of the impact of power imbalances in the
educational context, and the ways in which institutions can best protect minors
and create a safe learning environment have evolved significantly. None of that
excuses the type of conduct alleged; however, it may provide some contextual
understanding around institutional responses at the time.
Page 2 of 4
Make no mistake about it. UNCSA is not the same institution today that it was in
the 1970s and 1980s. UNCSA has invested in and implemented an
infrastructure to protect its community against abuse of any kind. We have:
established a Division of Institutional Integrity with a full-time director of Title IX
and chief compliance officer; instituted a policy prohibiting relationships
between students and faculty or staff; established clear systems for reporting
and accessing supportive resources; provided expanded prevention and
education programming; and expanded available counseling resources. In
addition, all UNCSA employees who learn about potential sexual misconduct
are required to share that information with the Title IX office so that the Title IX
coordinator can conduct outreach, offer supportive measures, evaluate the
appropriate resolution, and take action to maintain an environment free from
sexual and gender-based harassment and violence. And when reported
conduct involves suspected abuse or neglect of a minor, the conduct must be
reported to child protective services.
Protection of minors requires vigilance and sustained efforts. All faculty

members are required to complete criminal background checks, receive training
about maintaining professional boundaries, and to uphold their mandatory
reporting obligations.
We encourage all students, staff and faculty to share concerns about sexual or
gender-based harassment and violence to the University or to local law
enforcement. Here are some of the departments available to report instances of
sexual misconduct internally:
UNCSA Title IX
UNCSA Campus Police
UNCSA Student Conduct
Counselors are available for students through our Counseling Center. The
after-hours Healthlink number is 1-888-267-3675. Faculty and staff may access
the state’s 24/7 Employee Assistance Program administered by ComPysch
by calling 1-888-311-4237. In addition, here is a list of community resources
available for support outside of our campus.
Students, staff, and faculty can also report suspected abuse or sexual and
gender-based violence to local law enforcement, to the Forsyth County
Department of Social Services or the North Carolina Department of Health
Page 3 of 4
and Human Services.
UNCSA stands with all survivors of abuse of any kind and remains committed
to the values of trust and integrity on our campus and beyond.
Sincerely,
Brian Cole
Chancellor
Copyright © 2021 UNCSA, All rights reserved.

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Response To UNCSA Alumni Lawsuit

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Subject: Response to UNCSA alumni lawsuit

Date: Monday, October 4, 2021 at 6:50:19 PM Eastern Daylight Time

View this email in your browser

Dear UNCSA Community,

In the decades following the time of this reported misconduct, society’s

Protection of minors requires vigilance and sustained efforts. All faculty

Copyright © 2021 UNCSA, All rights reserved.

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