TITLE: Requesting the governor to direct the Texas Rangers to investigate Baylor University.

SUMMARY: Requesting the governor to direct the Texas Rangers to investigate Baylor University.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Over the last year, we have discovered the most horrific facts concerning rampant sexual assault and efforts by Baylor University administration to discourage and retaliate against sexual assault victims. WHEREAS, To date, Baylor University has admitted that not less than 34 football players assaulted over 52 young women over the span of 5 years. As important is the staggering admission by Baylor University that at least 125 young students reported being sexually assaulted-and these are non-football related assaults. Baylor's own Title IX Coordinator says the number is even higher. WHEREAS, The level of cover-up that has been both reported and also admitted at this point is appalling. WHEREAS, Widespread evidence of obstruction of justice has come out over the last several months. We have learned examples of how Baylor University officials "failed to investigate, or adequately investigate, allegations of sexual violence." In fact, Baylor failed to examine numerous allegations for 2 years and kept allegations on file for as long as 4 years. WHEREAS, Baylor University's chief administrator who oversaw the Baylor Police Department has admitted that files were concealed by the department. While stating that the Police Chief was fired as a result, Baylor's own website states the Chief retired. WHEREAS, Baylor University has resisted all efforts to provide the public with information which would reveal the conduct of senior administrators, and instead attempted to put the blame entirely on football coaches. Baylor's Police Department operated under authority of Texas statutes, yet Baylor University has successfully claimed it is not subject to the same Freedom of Information Requests that apply to local police departments. Although Baylor coaches certainly deserve blame, they are not solely responsible for the over 125+ female students that were wrongfully treated. RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature urge Governor Abbott to direct the Texas Rangers with investigating the obstruction of justice surrounding the sexual assault of young female students at Baylor University. RESOLVED, That the chief clerk of the house forward official copies of this resolution to the Governor of Texas.