Oklahoma State Hires Outside Counsel to Review Sexual Assault Response Procedures

In December the president of Oklahoma State University called for an investigation and assessment of the university’s response procedures regarding incidents of sexual assault. The investigation was ordered after the university dealt internally with an alleged sexual assault. The university had learned about the assault in November and after holding a hearing suspended the alleged offender from the university for three years.

Police learned of the incident by reading the student newspaper and charged the student with three counts of sexual battery. The student is now free on $100,000 bail.

The university has now hired an outside attorney to lead the investigation. Dallas attorney James Sears Bryant of the law firm Wilson Esler will advise the board of regents on revising the university’s response procedures. Bryant is an expert in higher education and sports law.

Board of Regents chair Andy Lester stated, “We desire to obtain the best qualified expert to advise us on this serious matter. We are confident in Mr. Bryant and his ability to expedite a timely and efficient review. He has an excellent reputation for his diligence, thoroughness, and integrity.”