USU RESPONSE ON 3/20/23

When plaintiff attorneys seek to use the media to litigate their cases and reach out to
The Salt Lake Tribune before the university even receives notice of a lawsuit, the public
should be aware that they are getting one set of facts from one perspective.  
  
USU's goal in all cases involving a potential non-discrimination policy violation is to
address and prevent discriminatory behavior, while providing a fair, respectful, and
equitable process for all parties. 
 
You wrote in your email that when Noel made a report to the Office of Equity in March
2020, he says, "he was largely ignored." This is absolutely untrue. The university
followed its discrimination policy, procedures and process to its conclusion and
dedicated significant resources to the matter, both through the grievance process,
working with him one-on-one to hear his concerns, and providing supportive
measures.  
 
When the Office of Equity finds a policy violation through an investigation, sanctions for
a faculty member falls under the faculty code, not the Office of Equity, and faculty
members may request a review of a reprimand by the Academic Freedom and Tenure
Committee as provided for in USU’s policy 407. 
  
Additionally, Noel was given a forum to express his concerns to the president's
leadership team, and many of his suggestions were incorporated into USU's strategy for
diversity, equity, and inclusion.

As to the claim that Noel did not receive contact after April 2021, USU officials provided
updates in September and October 2021 about the status of his case.