Officials from Niagara University say they found "no wrongdoing" in how they handled a sexual assault allegation.
Last year, an internal investigation was sparked by an online petition where a number of students demanded the school get rid of Dean of Students Carrie McLaughlin following an allegation of rape on campus.
The investigation was conducted by Lipsitz Green Scime Cambria LLP.
Senior partner Barry Covert released the following statement Tuesday afternoon:
“Niagara University provided the investigation team unimpeded access to all of the information requested, including access to the relevant individuals, documents, files, and electronic evidence.
After carefully reviewing all of the relevant information over a two-month period, our investigation team determined that the university fully investigated each of the sexual assault matters raised in the petition and its accompanying comments."
“The university’s primary concern is always the safety and well-being of our students and the entire campus community,” said Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., president of Niagara University.
“We consider all student allegations and concerns seriously, and we remain committed to our Title IX obligations. We abide by and exceed guidelines presented by New York State’s ‘Enough is Enough’ legislation and we will continue to work with our students and the campus community, as well as with our external partner agencies, to educate our community in an effort to provide a safe living, learning and working environment.”
The college also announced that McLaughlin, who had been on administrative leave since the investigation began, will not return.
