University of Evansville Under Investigation for Possible Title IX Violations

Aces Coach Walter McCarty is on administrative leave from the University of Evansville while he is investigated for possible Title IX violations, and UE President Christopher Pietruszkiewicz claims McCarty has been counseled about his behavior. The investigation is being conducted by a national law firm after a “troubling report,” and will provide a decision on Coach McCarty’s future status with the university.

Title IX is known to be a part of federal education law that protects students and others involved with federally-funded schools from being discriminated against on the basis of sex. What many people don’t know, though, is that Title IX also protects students who have experienced sexual assault.

When it comes to sexual harassment, this Education Amendment requires school officials to promptly report and investigate any claims of sexual harassment on campus or at any school program or activity. For example, if an act of sexual harassment or assault is reported to have happened to an athlete at an away basketball game, the student’s school is responsible to report the instance to the proper authorities within 24 hours.

Previous Title IX Violations at UE

This isn’t the University of Evansville’s first Title IX violation allegation. In 2018, a federal lawsuit was filed by a student of UE against the university and a professor. The victim claimed that she had reported that the professor harassed her, and university faculty did not report to the authorities as they should have.

Lindsay Cordes, an attorney from Thomas Law Offices in Louisville, represented the victim in the case, as well as in other Title IX cases. She commented, “What happens with schools is they have to put certain policies and procedures in place, and they have to have a system where if somebody reports that somebody’s been discriminated against based on their sex, they have to take prompt action to investigate and remedy that sex discrimination.”

After the lawsuit in 2018, UE created an Office of Institutional Equity to handle Title IX issues. In June 2019, the parties reached a settlement and the professor was fired.

As for Coach McCarty, his status with the university will be determined after the investigation is completed.

Thomas Law Offices handles sexual harassment and Title IX cases in Kentucky and Indiana. We understand how difficult it can be to come forward with claims like these, and so we will provide you with careful support and comfort through your tough time. Our experienced lawyers will help you get the justice you deserve against your abuser. Don’t hesitate to reach out today so that we can discuss a plan of action.