Message from LSU President William F. Tate IV

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

I read through every word of the painful and traumatic events expressed in recent news articles about allegations against a former graduate student. Given that this is a pending lawsuit, I am unable to respond directly to the accounts, which is incredibly frustrating.

While I cannot say much, I can tell you a few things. First, while I was not here when these allegations occurred, I want these students to know that they matter to me. Every student matters to me. Second, predators and their enablers will be held accountable — end of story. Third, I want to tell you what Title IX will look like during my tenure as your President. I see a campus community in which no survivor goes without the support and resources necessary to recover from the trauma of sexual assault or harassment. Under the exceptional leadership of Interim Vice President Jane Cassidy, LSU has made incredible strides forward in a relatively short period of time: a robust Office of Civil Rights & Title IX; the development and execution of trauma-informed responses; strengthened relationships with student, community and advocacy groups; and the elimination of past policy gaps. Those are just words, though. Paired with the tireless vigilance and dedication of our campus community, this really means that we will compassionately and empathetically serve our students and employees through building a culture of transparency, trust, and accountability that deters sexual violence in the first place and protects survivors when the unthinkable does occur.

Sincerely,

William F. Tate IV
LSU President