MADISON (AP) — Wisconsin has reinstated expelled wide receiver Quintez Cephus following acquittal on a sexual assault charge.
Here is a statement from UW-Madison:
UW–Madison has a responsibility to investigate allegations of sexual misconduct in a prompt and thorough manner, as directed by state and federal laws. The university applies its code of conduct impartially and consistently regardless of the identities of the individuals involved.
In the case of Quintez Cephus, this process functioned appropriately and in accordance with state and federal guidelines and proceeded based on the information available to UW–Madison at the time of the university’s investigation and hearing process.
UW–Madison obtained information following the criminal proceeding that was not provided to the university during the student conduct process. Chancellor Rebecca Blank conducted a review of this information and the petition for Quintez Cephus’ reinstatement as quickly as possible and in a complete and impartial manner.
As a result of this review, sanctions for Quintez Cephus have been reduced and his expulsion lifted. There were findings of responsibility of the student non-academic misconduct code that were upheld.
Mr. Cephus has been reinstated as a UW–Madison student, effective immediately.
“All three of the primary participants in this case are our students, and I know the past year has been painful for everyone involved,” said Blank. “My decision is based on the availability of substantial new information that wasn’t made available to us during the earlier process. I recognize that some will disagree with this decision.”
“To those in our community who have experienced sexual assault, I sincerely hope that there is nothing in this case that will deter you from coming forward for support,” she added. “Our university continues to be prepared to listen and respond.”
Here is a statement from the University of Wisconsin athletic department:
MADISON, Wis. — Quintez Cephus has been reinstated as a UW-Madison student, allowing him to return to school. He has officially rejoined the football program and we are working through eligibility issues before he can participate in a game.
UW Athletics takes allegations of sexual misconduct very seriously.
We know that sexual assault and sexual harassment have profound impacts on college campuses.
“We have a robust educational program around sexual misconduct in place for our student-athletes and we will continue those efforts going forward,” Director of Athletics Barry Alvarez said.
Here is a statement from Cephus attorney Stephen J. Meyer:
We’d like to thank the UW-Madison leadership and Chancellor Rebecca Blank for doing the right thing by giving Quintez Cephus his life back in time to pursue his academic and athletic dreams.
It’s been a year to this day that Quintez had to tell his teammates he was stepping down from the team to face criminal charges.
We argued vociferously for that entire year that he was being punished for a crime he did not commit, so we’re grateful that UW leaders looked at all the facts, respected the decision of a court of law, and re-admitted him to UW-Madison.
