University of Tennessee President, Dr. Joe DiPietro, fielded questions regarding the lawsuit filed against the University alleging a culture of "deliberate indifference" toward rape on campus while at an event in Nashville Tuesday.
Dipietro spoke at Saint Thomas West, which plans to expand its residency program with UT, just one week after the suit was filed.
He said the point of the previously planned speech was to show the world how well the university is doing.
UT won the largest grant in university history, has expanded programs at campuses across the state and is quickly working toward long-term funding solutions in addition to a record-breaking year for fundraising.
Yet, he acknowledged recent issues have overshadowed the university’s success, including the lawsuit.
"I would argue that if you take a look at how were performing at a very high level, and while it's disappointing that we've had these distractions, as you say, have attracted national attention. The fact of the matter is this university is operating in a way, from the standpoint of its core mission: educating, discovering and connecting like it probably hasn't done in 10 or 15 years," DiPietro said.
The lawsuit was brought by six women who said the university contributed to a culture that led to five of their rapes, either by UT athletes or students after a UT football-sanctioned party.
“To claim that we have allowed a culture contrary to our institution’s commitment to provide a safe environment for students or that we do not support those who report sexual assault is just false,” DiPietro said Tuesday, reading from a statement the university's attorney sent to media outlets the week before.
The university is not currently investigating the claims of a dangerous culture on campus. Tuesday, reporter Rebecca Schleicher asked DiPietro why while at his first media availability since the lawsuit was filed.
"Five women have come forward saying they were raped in the last three years, all related to UT athletes or sanctioned events. Is that not worth a larger investigation within the university?" she asked.
"Again it's a matter of litigation and I can't comment any further at this point," DiPietro responded.
"But outside the litigation, just on the university campus?" Schleicher asked.
"We're always concerned about our students safety and we always strive to keep a safe environment," DiPietro replied.
He also said he stood by the unique way the university handles hearings after alleged sexual assaults under the Tennessee Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, which has come under fire in light of the lawsuit. On several occasions listed athletes accused of rape were able to push their hearing date until after they graduated or transferred to another school, in good standing with UT and the athletics department.
