Statement from President Roberts
In responding to a question I was asked on a TV news interview on December 14 about a safety alert that Bradley University issued regarding an alleged sexual assault, I gave a response that some people have interpreted as implying that I do not regard sexual assault as a serious crime and that I am excusing criminal behavior. If one were to know the specific facts of the incident in question, and thus the context in which the question was asked, one might better understand that I did not intend to imply any such thing. However, to the extent anyone does believe that this was what I was implying or saying, I apologize. Given what has occurred at many other universities in recent years, and thus the justifiable sensitivity of many to this issue, it was foolish and insensitive of me to answer that question as I did. I strongly believe that sexual assault is a serious crime that is not excused by anything, including the victim having diminished capacity. Bradley University will always thoroughly investigate any allegations of sexual assault, and it will aggressively take all appropriate steps to deal with anyone who commits such a crime whom we can identify. Again, to those who might believe otherwise, I apologize and wish I could take back my ill-considered comments. As with any such case, my and Bradley’s paramount objective is to protect the health and to honor the wishes of the parties involved in the alleged incident, especially those of a victim.
