Dear UE Community,
It is with great disappointment that I am writing today to inform you of our decision to terminate the employment of Men’s Basketball Head Coach Walter McCarty, effective immediately, for behavior contrary to the core values of our University.
On December 26, 2019, Mr. McCarty was placed on administrative leave after the University received reports of alleged sexual misconduct and violations of our Title IX policy.
We retained a national law firm to conduct an external investigation. Since then, the University has received additional reports of alleged misconduct by Mr. McCarty. These reports came after the University had previously counseled Mr. McCarty about inappropriate conduct off the court.
As part of the ongoing inquiry, investigators have gathered evidence and interviewed witnesses, including Mr. McCarty. The investigation has uncovered persistent and troublesome facts regarding Mr. McCarty’s conduct, including attempts to improperly influence witnesses in the investigation. While the Title IX investigation will continue as required under our policies and by federal law, it has become abundantly clear that Mr. McCarty’s behavior violated the terms of his contract, making his continued employment untenable.
Coach McCarty is an Evansville native who is well known in the community and has enjoyed success with our Men’s Basketball program. However, that success cannot supersede standards and values that guide the University. Our decision also reflects our commitment that there is no place at UE for any behavior by any University employee or student that jeopardizes the safety and security of others.
As is required, the Title IX process will continue. Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any educational program or activity that receives federal financial assistance. Consistent with our commitment to Title IX, the University will complete the investigation and take steps, as appropriate, to prevent and remedy the effects of Mr. McCarty’s reported conduct. We do not intend to share details about these matters out of respect for the privacy of members of our campus community.
Bennie Seltzer is doing an admirable job as interim head coach, and we are grateful that he and his assistants have stepped forward under difficult circumstances. We ask that you support our student-athletes during this time of transition.
I also ask that you join me in supporting our students and employees who have come forward to share their experiences and concerns. We appreciate the trust they have placed in the University and our Title IX policies, and we reinforce the importance of reporting any sexual or gender-based concerns to the University’s Office of Institutional Equity.
More than ever, I remain proud of this university and the values for which it stands.
Sincerely,
Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz
President, University of Evansville
Editors note: Come to find out you can’t screw a college cheerleader when you’re the basketball coach.