The sexual assault case involving former Baylor football player Sam Ukwuachu ended in a settlement agreement between the university and the victim, according to the Associated Press.
“The matter has been satisfactorily resolved,” John Clune, an attorney for the victim, told the Dallas Morning News.
When asked for a statement on the matter, Assistant Vice President for Media Communications Lori Fogleman said, “We are unable to comment on legal matters.”
Ukwuachu was convicted of sexual assault in Waco’s 54th State District Court on Aug. 20. The trial made national news. Mass speculation of and suspicion of Baylor and the football program followed. Columns and blogs were posted saying that Baylor head coach Art Briles knew of Ukwuachu’s violent past before adding him to the roster. President and Chancellor Ken Starr denied these claims in a statement that went out to the university.
“At no time did any Boise State official ever disclose any record of physical violence toward women,” Starr wrote. “A variety of news sources ultimately corroborated the accuracy of Coach Briles’ account.”
The university underwent an internal investigation by law professor Jeremy Counsellor. Baylor is still in the process of being evaluated by outside counsel.
Sexual assault is prevalent on college campuses. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, one in five women and one in 16 men are sexually assaulted while in college. More than 90 percent of sexual assault crimes on college campuses go unreported.
In an effort to combat sexual crimes, Baylor’s Title IX office has implemented a required course for first-year students and student athletes. Patty Crawford, the Title IX coordinator, said she plans to extend this training to Greek organizations. Every staff member is also required to complete an online training session.
“Ideally, our goal is that all students have access to training,” Crawford said. “So everyone is aware and they get all these resources.”
Title IX office also launched It’s on Us BU. It’s on Us is a student-driven national campaign that aims to stop sexual assault. The Title IX office’s website, baylor.edu/titleix features a video of students making a statement against sexual violence and sex discrimination.
Crawford said the student response to these initiatives has been positive.
“Between 92 and 98 percent of all of the responses from all of our programs, and they have reached over 9,00 people, have responded in a positive way that it was effective for a variety of reasons,” Crawford said. “We are not increasing incidents, but by raising awareness we are increasing reporting.”
