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Baylor University to fire football coach and re-assign Ken Starr amid sexual assault scandal

The investigation revealed a 'fundamental failure' by the school 

Feliks Garcia
New York
Thursday 26 May 2016 13:04 EDT
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The Baylor University Board of Regents announced it will fire the head coach of the football team, Art Briles, and transition Ken Starr from the role of President of the school to Chancellor; he will remain a professor of law.

The Waco, Texas, university’s announcement comes following an investigation into the school’s handling of sexual assault complaints against members of the football team.

“We were horrified by the extent of these acts of sexual violence on our campus. This investigation revealed the University's mishandling of reports in what should have been a supportive, responsive and caring environment for students,” said regents chair Richard Willis.

An investigation led by the Philadelphia law firm Pepper Hamilton “reflects a fundamental failure” by Baylor to comply with the Title IX amendment, which protects students from discrimination on the basis of sex and gender.

“University failed to take action to identify and eliminate a potential hostile environment, prevent its recurrence or address its effects,” investigators found.

Athletic Director Ian McCaw was sanctioned and placed on probation. The Board of Regents named Dr David Garland as interim president.

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