The Duke Chronicle reported yesterday that the athletic department ignored sexual assault allegations against former basketball player Rasheed Suliamon. In response, Duke Athletic Director Kevin White issued a statement defending the handling of misconduct allegations by the basketball program.
“I want to clarify the role of Duke Athletics staff and coaches in the student conduct process at Duke,” White wrote. Any allegation of student misconduct that is brought to the attention of our staff and coaches is immediately referred to the Office of Student Conduct in Student Affairs, which has responsibility for upholding the Duke code of conduct. The athletics department does not investigate or adjudicate matters of student conduct, and cooperates completely in the process. These investigations are conducted thoroughly, in a timely manner, and with great care to respect the privacy and confidentiality of all students involved.
“Those procedures have been, and continue to be, followed by Coach Mike Krzyzewski and all members of the men’s basketball program. Coach Krzyzewski and his staff understand and have fulfilled their responsibilities to the university, its students and the community. As specified by federal law and university policy, all Duke officials, including Coach Krzyzewski, are prohibited from commenting publicly on any specific individual or situation.”