WebProNews

Tag: University of Missouri

  • Swimmer’s Death Raises Bigger Questions

    Swimmer’s Death Raises Bigger Questions

    News of sexual assaults on college campuses has become far too commonplace in contemporary society, but a recent development may lead to a tightening of regulations and school awareness.

    Former University of Missouri swimmer Sasha Menu Courey was assaulted by as many as three football players while attending school, but chose not to report the crimes to the police. The school did not investigate the incidents and 16 months later Courey committed suicide.

    Her parents are claiming that her death was a direct result of the assaults she endured. The University is claiming that it was never told about the assaults and is now investigating the situation. Although they are claiming that they followed the letter of the law and lacked proper notification, many, including Courey’s parents, are left with questions as to what could have been done differently to insure justice for a young woman trying to earn an education.

    In light of Courey’s death and many similar incidents, such as the well-publicized sexual abuse scandal at Penn State University, President Obama recently announced a new taskforce meant to look into reports of sexual assault on college campuses. The problem has become so widespread that it is being considered a public health epidemic by the White House.

    Such incidents have created a college culture that is dangerous for young women. Drastic change is needed to narrow the gap in the alarming statistics used to describe the great inequality between number of assaults, number of assaults reported, and number of individuals brought to justice for their actions.

    [Image via Live News]

  • Swimmer’s Death Highlights Campus Safety Risks

    The University of Missouri takes center stage today as President Tim Wolfe held a news conference to discuss the possibility of hiring impartial investigators to uncover the hidden truths behind the death of student and swimmer Sasha Menu Courey. Courey committed suicide while residing in a mental health institution in Boston in June of 2011, after allegedly being sexually assaulted by up to three UM football players.

    Courey, a native of Toronto, was at the University of Missouri on a swim scholarship. Following the alleged rape, Courey attempted to reach out to campus health and safety personnel, including a rape crisis counselor and campus therapist. In addition to the mental health specialists, Courey also consulted a campus nurse and two doctors. However, these discussions occurred eleven months after the attack that was said to have happened in February of 2010.

    Although Courey consulted campus medical officials, because she did not make a formal report, and because her privacy was legally maintained by healthcare laws, her own parents were unaware of the sexual assault until after her suicide. Upon discovering a reference to the assault in an online chat forum with a rape crisis counselor, the University contacted Courey’s parents in an attempt to ascertain their wishes in regard to opening an investigation. The University did not receive a response from the parents, and felt that they had taken the investigation as far as they could. However, in response to an ESPN report on their program, “Outside the Lines”, University President Wolfe has decided to recommend the hiring of independent counsel to investigate the handling of what he calls, “…a tragic situation that’s personal to me.” He adds that “What’s important to us at the University of Missouri is the safety of our students. We take this very seriously.”

    Although the sincerity of the university President is no doubt appreciated, many are wondering at the absence of comments from University of Missouri Athletics Department Director Mike Alden. After all, Courey was receiving a scholarship for her participation on the university’s swim team.

    The University issued a press release today, attempting to answer a few of the most commonly asked questions concerning the incident at large.

    Image via Youtube

  • Dorial Green-Beckham Released After Drug-Related Arrest

    University of Missouri wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham has been released from the Greene County Jail, Springfield, MO.

    According to the LA Times, police representative Anthony Cunis issued a brief statement with preliminary details about Green-Beckham’s arrest. Cunis stated that the two-time USA Today High School All-American was arrested on suspicion of possession, with the intent to distribute less than five grams of marijuana.

    However, the University of Missouri’s Maneater student newspaper reported that a phone interview was conducted with Greene County Jail representative Cpl. Wilcox who offered a bit more clarity in reference to Green-Beckham’s release.

    “(The release) probably means he wasn’t involved with what they thought he was involved in,” explained Wilcox during the phone interview on Saturday morning.

    A detailed account of the arrest was also reported. The student newspaper stated that Green-Beckham was pulled over in a 1999 Jeep Cherokee. Green-Beckham was in the car with John W. McDaniel, 22, who was operating the vehicle, and Pat W. Prouty, 20.

    The vehicle was initially pulled over due to expired tags. However, once officer approached the vehicle, the smell of marijuana prompted him to search the vehicle. The police report stated that approximately one pound of marijuana was found, along with other drug paraphernalia.

    All three men were arrested and taken into custody at the Greene County Jail. The impending evidence has been sent off for laboratory testing. Early Saturday morning, they were released without bond. However, the nature of the release depends on the results of the investigation, as formal charges may still be filed.

    A screenshot of Green-Beckham’s arrest information was also shared online early Saturday morning. Media journalist Mike Colombo of St. Louis’ KMOV News tweeted the screenshot.

    Hours after his release, Green-Beckham tweeted a response in regards to his arrest.

    In a text message to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Green-Beckham’s father also issued a brief statement on his son’s behalf.

    “We feel very confident that the investigation will result in no charges against Dorial,” said John Beckham’s text message. “Dorial very much regrets being in this situation and our family looks forward to this being resolved.”

    At 6’6, 225 pounds, Green-Beckham was ranked as the top collegiate football prospect when he signed a letter of intent to play for the University of Missouri. He was highly lauded for his national prep records, garnering an impressive 6,353 career receiving yards and a total of 75 touchdown catches during his time at Springfield Hillcrest High.

    Image via Twitter | Dorial Green-Beckham