University of Florida responds with lengthy statement following Callaway ruling
Published:
In case you missed the news, it was announced Friday that Florida sophomore Antonio Callaway has been found to be not responsible in the Title IX sexual assault investigation.
Upon release of that information, Callaway’s attorney Huntley Johnson provided further information regarding the case. Following Johnson’s information being released, the University of Florida issued its own lengthy release regarding the case – via Matt Baker of the Tampa Bay Times.
The University of Florida will not tolerate sexual misconduct and thoroughly investigates every allegation it receives through the student conduct and Title IX processes.
While we want to be as transparent as possible, we cannot address rumors, media reports or misleading statements from attorneys on this subject.
We cannot confirm whether or not any allegation or student conduct investigation exists; and the university is barred from discussing specific student disciplinary cases. Federal and state law are very clear on this front and require strict confidentiality of this kind of information.
Be assured that any situation of this serious nature reported to the university is immediately addressed following Title IX regulations, U.S. Department of Education guidelines and university policies. These policies and practices support those who report sexual misconduct of any kind and ensure a fair investigation and process for the accuser and the accused beginning with the initial report and through any appeal.
Either side may elect to appeal the decision in a student conduct case. A written appeal must be received by the reviewing authority designated by the university within 10 business days of the decision. An appeal may be made on any or all of the following grounds:
· Violation of student rights
· New information or evidence (students who attend the hearing)
· Preponderance of evidence was met (accuser appeal) or was not met (accused appeal)
· Inappropriate sanctions imposedA final decision would be made within 10 business days following receipt of the complete file and any meetings with the parties. Ultimately, the reviewing authority could require a new hearing or accept, modify or reject the decision or sanction imposed.
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
