Former LSU and current Oregon State President F. King Alexander is placed on probation for his alleged mishandling of sexual assault and harassment reports during his time at LSU.
Alexander is accused of being aware of allegations against former coach Les Miles, but failing to act. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow said probation is a surprisingly light sentence.
“I do not know what they expect will be different because of that unless they are waiting to see what our additional findings may be that tie him to having a knowledge of what was happening at LSU,” said Barrow, a member of the Louisiana Select Committee on Women and Children, the legislative committee spearheading hearings seeking more information about the LSU scandal.
OSU students and the OSU staff union said Alexander’s tenure at LSU proves he’s more concerned with athletics than student safety. Alexander apologized and said he accepts ultimate responsibility, but also that budget cuts hampered Title Nine compliance.
Alexander’s probation and multi-week suspensions to two LSU athletic administrators have been the only punishments meted out as a result of the report. Barrow said that’s not good enough.
“We are not accepting the status quo as it seemingly has been in the past as being a response,” said Barrow.
Alexander left LSU to join Oregon State nine months ago after running LSU during the period covered by a report that detailed widespread administrative mishandling of sexual misconduct. The over 10 week-long probation sentence was ordered by the Oregon State Board of Trustees.
Barrow said the reoccurring message that the mishandling of these situations was the result of a lack of written policy won’t deter lawmakers from calling for more punitive action.
“As we continue to learn more then we are going to be asking that individuals be held accountable,” said Barrow.
The Louisiana Select Committee on Women and Children will meet again next Friday.
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