George W. Hynd, president of Winthrop University, sent an email to the student body on the evening of March 26, responding to allegations of mishandled sexual assault investigations which surfaced on Wednesday, March 24.
Hynd acknowledged the March 24 article and provided “points of clarification from the university,” wherein Hynd described the roles played by various university departments as they relate to the Title IX investigation process.
“Both cases were promptly investigated by the university using protocols established as best practice for Title IX compliance,” Hynd wrote in the email. “While Winthrop officials cannot comment on specific Title IX cases or investigations, the university investigates all reported violations of Title IX, follows established protocols based on best practice, and ensures due process for all.”
Hynd’s statement did not address the study on student safety nor the “campus climate survey,” conducted at Winthrop University in the Spring of 2017 which was recently obtained and reported on by The Johnsonian in the March 24 article.
Students, alumni and Rock Hill community members reacted to the statement on social media. Whitney Williams, a senior social work student, says that the email felt insincere.
“It’s very disheartening to see that he couldn’t take time out of his busy day to craft a well thought out response to attempt to ease the hearts of current students,” said Williams. “He put a bandaid on a fire hydrant that was already exploding.”
Lydia Coffey, a double-major student in English and art, says that the response lacks a plan of action to address student concerns.
“[Winthrop] oftentimes will state that they care with no action-based support. It has definitely shown the student body that this new era is about numbers and tuition money,” Coffey wrote online. “The university offers a good education and has some excellent professors, but the higher leadership does not show genuine interest or concern for student voices.”
Zach Mclean, who graduated from Winthrop University in 2019, described the response Hynd sent out to the student body as “adequate.”
“He may personally believe the allegations made by students, but as president he can’t negate and defy results of investigations he did not conduct himself in a public response,” Mclean wrote. “He also has trust in his staff and institutions.”
Student Meredith McCoy expressed online that she feels conflicted by the email.
“It’s comforting to know the campus has counselors and the victim assistance office to assist students in getting the help they need, however, I’m also disappointed that these cases were mishandled, concerning the men accused,” McCoy wrote. “How many times do men or women need to be taught that non-consensual touching or activity is wrong and there are consequences?”
You can read the full email sent by Hynd below:
“Dear Campus Community,
A story by Evan Santiago this week in the Winthrop student newspaper, The Johnsonian, has sparked much discussion on campus. These are points of clarification from the university:
In regard to student allegations of misconduct:
Winthrop University takes seriously allegations of sexual misconduct involving any member of the Winthrop community. Winthrop officials took seriously the allegations of the two students interviewed. Both cases were promptly investigated by the university using protocols established as best practice for Title IX compliance. While Winthrop officials cannot comment on specific Title IX cases or investigations, the university investigates all reported violations of Title IX, follows established protocols based on best practice, and ensures due process for all. Winthrop officials base conclusions and subsequent actions taken against students and employees on all available evidence.
In regard to the various personnel involved in serving students who may have experienced discrimination under Title IX:
The university’s Office of Victims Assistance provides direct services to victims as well as campus-wide educational programming. The Dean of Students office holds students accountable for misconduct through the Student Conduct Code and the Judicial Council. The Human Resources, Employee Diversity and Wellness division administers Winthrop’s employee policies on sexual harassment and discrimination and investigates allegations made against faculty and staff. Winthrop’s Title IX compliance, including policy recommendations, overseeing all complaints of sex discrimination, and identifying and addressing any problems that arise during the review of such complaints, is handled through the university’s Title IX coordinator.
In regard to Title IX investigations:
Upon notification of a possible Title IX violation, the university assigns an investigator based on the allegations. Per university protocols, individual departments or divisions, such as athletics, are not permitted to conduct investigations. For this reason, athletics personnel reported allegations regarding an employee to HR, the area charged with investigating complaints involving employees.”
Photo by Olivia Esselman
