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February 9~ 216

Statement of Bill Ramsey, Counsel for the University of Tennessee

Like the many other college campuses facing the challenges of sexual assault, the
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has devoted significant time and energy to provide a safe
environment for our students, to educate and raise awareness about sexual assault, and to
encourage students to come forward and report sexual assault. When the University receives a
report of sexual assault, we offer care and support to the person who came forward and work to
investigate and resolve the matter in a timely, thorough, and equitable manner. When warranted,
the University takes disciplinary action but will not do so in a manner that violates state law or
the constitutional due process rights of our students.
In the situations identified in the lawsuit filed today; the University acted lawfully and in
good faith, and we expect a court to agree. Any assertion that we do not take sexual assault
seriously enough is simply not true. To claim that we have allowed a culture to exist contrary to
our institutional commitment to providing a safe environment for our students or that we do not
support those who report sexual assault is just false. The University will provide a detailed
response to the lawsuit and looks forward to doing so at the appropriate time, and in the proper
manner.