The revelations of USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar’s widespread sexual assault and the lack of actions taken by his employer, Michigan State University, have catapulted the “Time’s Up” movement into college athletic departments and campuses.
More than 265 women accused Nassar of sexually assaulting them under the pretense of medical treatment. His accusers include Olympic medalists Aly Raisman, Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas and McKayla Maroney. The doctor was sentenced in January to 40 to 125 years in prison. He is already serving 60 years on federal child pornography charges.
MSU’s president and athletic director stepped down in January amid revelations that they may have stifled earlier reports of Nassar’s abuse. A special prosecutor appointed by the Michigan Attorney General is investigating the university “from the president’s office down.” The entire board of USA Gymnastics resigned under pressure from the U.S. Olympic Committee.
This story has highlighted the need for universities to protect college athletes from abuse. When they fail to do so, school officials have the responsibility to report misconduct.
The NCAA requires trainers and coaches to undergo Title IX training. The entire athletic department, including athletes, will receive an in-depth training session on Feb. 12.
Reporting sexual misconduct at Lipscomb
Lipscomb’s Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy says any sexual misconduct should be reported to Title IX Coordinator Kathy Hargis, Chief of Security Darrin Bellows or any Title IX team member.
There is also an option in the lower right-hand corner of the Lipscomb website to file an anonymous report.
After filing a report, the complainant gives an initial statement to Hargis, the Title IX Coordinator, then decides whether he or she would like to proceed with a full investigation. If Hargis believes others are at risk, she has the right to proceed with an investigation.
Interim measures can be taken to protect accusers from any further abuse or distress, including reassigning classes or a no-contact order, which would restrain the accused from contacting the accuser in any way.
Hargis warned Lipscomb athletes and students not to have a false sense of security just because this is a Christian campus.
“We are a safe campus,” Hargis said. “We do have a lot we can be proud of, but I always warn people to be careful with the ‘it could never happen to me’ mentality. It’s dangerous. I don’t want people to be lulled into a false sense of security.”
All Lipscomb employees are required to report sexual misconduct if they become aware of it. This policy also extends to Lipscomb’s contract employees, such as its medical trainers, who are contracted through Elite Sports Medicine + Orthopedics.
“When we think about the issues involving sexual misconduct as a Christian school, doing the right thing, stepping up and letting your voice be heard is a mission critical to who we are,” Hargis said. “I think the legal requirements surrounding Title IX are more than just what you have to do. It’s more than what is just required; it comes down to doing the right thing.”
Students reporting sexual misconduct in relation to Lipscomb University or Lipscomb Academy are granted immunity from other University policies, including the Alcohol and Drug Policy, under the Amnesty Clause of the Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy. This subsection is designed to encourage students to report any incident of sexual misconduct.
“It is great to increase the awareness so people are not afraid to say something,” said Kim Chaudoin. Lipscomb’s Assistant Vice President of Public Relations and Communication. “Sometimes they may think it is their fault and suffer in silence. They don’t always know there is a place to go. You don’t have to put up with it.”
The Counseling Center, Campus Ministry and Health Services Clinic are confidential resources. The information shared with any of these resources will not be shared without the student’s consent unless there is an imminent risk to the student or others.
Hargis’s office is located in Crisman, office number 106. Title IX Deputy Josh Roberts’s office is in the Student Life offices in the basement of the Bennett Campus Center. Lipscomb’s security office is in the basement of Elam Hall. Athletes may contact Lin Garner, Title IX Deputy, in the athletic offices in Allen Arena.