The University of Colorado at Boulder has received a statement today from District Attorney Mary Keenan following a City of Boulder and CUPD police investigation of an alleged rape by football players and recruits at an off-campus party December 7. In the statement, District Attorney Keenan said that investigators have decided against filing sexual assault charges. In her statement, the District Attorney suggests that although the evidence is not adequate to press charges, the allegations are significant. DA Keenan will provide the university with a copy of the investigative report as soon as possible.
We deeply regret that this incident occurred at a time that should have been a positive experience for both students and recruits. At the University of Colorado at Boulder, we are committed to the health and safety of our entire student body. We will not tolerate and will vigorously pursue all violations of the student Code of Conduct. The Office of Judicial Affairs on the Boulder campus will evaluate the report to determine what Code of Conduct violations might have occurred and will ensure a stern response to involved students. This process will begin immediately upon receipt of the report.
At the same time, the University of Colorado pledges to take the steps necessary to prevent this type of incident from ever happening again. Although the football program has put in place over the last three years a Student Handbook and certain policies and practices, I have directed the Athletic Department to make improvements in its weekend recruiting practices to ensure that they operate a responsible and safe recruiting program.
Specifically, I have instructed the football program to:
-Establish curfews and check-ins for visiting high school recruits; this is the same practice that applies to other visiting high school students;
-Increase adult oversight and supervision;
-Use well-trained mature student athletes as hosts for high school recruits;
-Send a letter to the families of prospective high school student athletes prior to their campus visits defining policies and expectations for behavior.
I have also asked that an education program be instituted for all athletes with emphasis on behavior and the consequences of misbehavior, and the responsibility our athletes have for the young people coming after them.
I have made it clear to the Athletic Director and coaches that I will hold them responsible for operating a model recruiting program for prospective student athletes that includes an emphasis on the safety of our campus visiting players. The Athletic Department will continue to vigilantly pursue improvements in the football program to ensure that coaches, staff, all student athletes and the high school recruits understand and fulfill their responsibilities.