Dear Monarch Community:

I am writing to announce that the University will commission an independent inquiry into the allegations involving writer Blake Bailey during the period he was a visiting professor at ODU from 2010-2016.

We are currently awaiting guidance from the Attorney General's office in Richmond regarding who should conduct the review. The decision to move forward has the full support of incoming President Hemphill and the Board of Visitors.

It is clear the University's initial response caused pain to members of our community. I care deeply about all members of the Monarch community. It is essential to me that we obtain a truly independent report on the matter and that we be able to assure our campus community that sexual harassment and other misconduct will not be tolerated. We recognize the seriousness of the allegations of sexual harassment or misconduct and want all members of our community to have confidence that they can report these matters freely and without fear.

The firm will be charged with examining the accusations against Mr. Bailey, including whether adequate reporting channels were available to individuals. The scope of work will be more thoroughly defined once a firm or individual is selected. We will ask the firm to conduct the review with diligence and urgency.

Last week, I shared with you my thoughts on establishing a task force to explore ways to strengthen the University's policies and procedures that relate to the prevention, reporting of, and response to allegations of sexual harassment and other forms of misconduct that would be co-chaired by Dr. Mona Danner, professor and chair of the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, and Dr. Kate Hawkins, vice provost for faculty affairs and strategic initiatives.

Our commitment to this process will remain steadfast. We have been encouraged to begin the task force activity only after the firm has been selected, so a comprehensive and coordinated process can be put in place.

Finally, I want to assure everyone that Old Dominion University is committed to maintaining an environment in which all people feel safe and respected, and a place where their concerns can be freely expressed and acted upon. Both Dr. Hemphill and I are committed to taking whatever steps are appropriate to enhance safeguards, enforce standards of conduct, and improve mechanisms for individuals to report instances of sexual harassment or other misconduct.

Sincerely,

John R. Broderick

President