After years of accusations and investigations into a series of sexual assault cases, Baylor University is still roiled in controversy. Now, a group of State Democrat lawmakers is demanding that the famed Texas Rangers launch an investigation into the accusations. They also want state funding pulled from the school in the meantime.
San Antonio Democrat, State Rep. Roland Gutierrez, introduced a resolution at the State Capital in Austin calling for the Texas Rangers to begin a new investigation into the wide-ranging accusations. Gutierrez and three other Democrats are demanding the school answer for “the obstruction of justice that has happened at Baylor University,” according to ESPN.
“What has happened here in Waco, what happened at Baylor, is so far different from any university in the state,” Gutierrez said on Monday. “We can’t stop bad things from happening, but we sure as hell can demand accountability. We sure as hell can demand that people protect our children.”
The Democrats also called for a “sizable” reduction in state funding for the university.
At the same time that he wants school funds cut, Gutierrez also requested $5 million in state funding to fuel the new investigation.
Baylor administrators insist they have and will continue to cooperate with all officials.
“Our hearts are heavy at the thought of anyone experiencing sexual assault within the Baylor family,” a statement read. “As we have said previously, any such acts are reprehensible and unacceptable. The university remains committed to eliminating all forms of sexual and gender-based harassment and discrimination within our campus community.”
Two Baylor players have been convicted of sexual misconduct. Additionally, Head Coach Art Briles was fired and University President Ken Starr was pressured to resign.
Recently, another member of the coaching staff was fired after he was arrested on a prostitution solicitation charge.
Follow Warner Todd Huston on Twitter @warnerthuston or email the author at igcolonel@hotmail.com.
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