By: Gutierrez H.R. No. 664
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Over the last year, we have discovered the most
horrific facts concerning rampant sexual assault and efforts by
Baylor University administration to discourage and retaliate
against sexual assault victims.
WHEREAS, To date, Baylor University has admitted that not
less than 34 football players assaulted over 52 young women over the
span of 5 years. As important is the staggering admission by Baylor
University that at least 125 young students reported being sexually
assaulted - and these are non-football related assaults. Baylor's
own Title IX Coordinator says the number is even higher.
WHEREAS, The level of cover-up that has been both reported
and also admitted at this point is appalling.
WHEREAS, Widespread evidence of obstruction of justice has
come out over the last several months. We have learned examples of
how Baylor University officials "failed to investigate, or
adequately investigate, allegations of sexual violence." In fact,
Baylor failed to examine numerous allegations for 2 years and kept
allegations on file for as long as 4 years.
WHEREAS, Baylor University's chief administrator who oversaw
the Baylor Police Department has admitted that files were concealed
by the department. While stating that the Police Chief was fired as
a result, Baylor's own website states the Chief retired.
WHEREAS, Baylor University has resisted all efforts to
provide the public with information which would reveal the conduct
of senior administrators, and instead attempted to put the blame
entirely on football coaches. Baylor's Police Department operated
under authority of Texas statutes, yet Baylor University has
successfully claimed it is not subject to the same Freedom of
Information Requests that apply to local police departments.
Although Baylor coaches certainly deserve blame, they are not
solely responsible for the over 125+ female students that were
wrongfully treated.
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature urge Governor Abbott to direct the Texas Rangers with
investigating the obstruction of justice surrounding the sexual
assault of young female students at Baylor University.
RESOLVED, That the chief clerk of the house forward official
copies of this resolution to the Governor of Texas.