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Niagara University has placed Marjean C. (Carrie) McLaughlin on leave as dean of students just days after an online petition called for her removal for allegedly discouraging a student from bringing a rape charge against a basketball player, The Buffalo News reported.
The petition states: "A young woman was raped on our campus by a basketball player, and Carrie told this young woman that by coming forward with the fact that she had been assaulted, she was trying to ruin his career. Ruin. His. Career. Many students heard about this situation, and since then have refused to come forth about their own situations regarding sexual harassment and assault. We cannot have someone in the position of dean of students who does not make survivors feel safe and comfortable in telling their stories. We just can't."
The university said the leave was not punitive but was imposed to allow time to investigate the allegations. The university has hired a law firm to do so.
McLaughlin did not respond to an email from Inside Higher Ed seeking her response to the allegations. no sign of response in Buffalo News story or even a no comment -- sj
