WSU releases statement responding to allegations against Jason Gesser
Sep 13, 2018, 1:16 PM
(AP)
(AP)
Washington State University responded to allegations of sexual misconduct by WSU employee Jason Gesser in a statement released Thursday.
Gesser, who is a former Washington State football player and color analyst for IMG Radio football broadcasts, is the assistant athletic director for the Cougar Athletic Fund. A story published Thursday by WSU’s student newspaper, The Daily Evergreen, reported several allegations of misconduct by Gesser uncovered by a public records request.
Here is the full statement from the university:
President Kirk Schulz and Director of Athletics Pat Chun have offered the following statement in response to the September 13 article regarding WSU staff member Jason Gesser in the The Daily Evergreen.
“We take any allegation of sexual misconduct extremely seriously. A thorough review was launched by the University’s Office for Equal Opportunity once University administrators became aware of allegations against Mr. Gesser in December 2017. On multiple occasions, investigators interviewed or attempted to interview all those allegedly involved. Following a comprehensive evaluation of the information available, the Office for Equal Opportunity found no violation of University policy.
As per standard practice, the Office for Equal Opportunity shared its report with Washington State University’s Office of Human Resource Services. Human resources staff worked with Director of Athletics Pat Chun to directly address with Mr. Gesser the issues raised in the report.
It is important to reiterate that the University followed its established procedures to review the matter and found no violation of Washington State University policy. The allegations were taken seriously and addressed at the appropriate level.
As part of a separate audit of Mr. Gesser’s travel receipts in his role as an Athletics Department fundraiser, a $39.78 overcharge was identified. Mr. Gesser has since reimbursed the University for the full amount.
If individuals have any information regarding allegations of misconduct by WSU employees, they should call the Office for Equal Opportunity.
