Today the University of Colorado Board of Regents met in executive session to hear an overview of the preliminary inquiry into the university’s handling of accusations of domestic violence by former assistant football coach Joe Tumpkin. Irene Griego, chair of the Board of Regents, issued the following statement today:
“Last month the Board of Regents retained Gina Maisto Smith and Leslie Gomez, partners in the Cozen O’Connor law firm and nationally recognized experts in institutional responses to sexual misconduct and intimate partner violence, to review the university’s handling of information received concerning former assistant football coach Joe Tumpkin. Today they presented an overview of their preliminary inquiry to the Board of Regents, and the Board engaged in an in-depth and unfettered discussion with them. Ken Salazar and Bruce Berman of WilmerHale also participated in today’s meeting as external counsel to the University.
“At the conclusion of the meeting the Board asked Cozen O’Connor to prepare a report, which we will receive in the coming weeks. After reviewing the report, the Board will take appropriate action based on the evidence. The report will also be made available to the public.
“We are committed to an independent, thoughtful and thorough inquiry and to completing this process with the care it deserves.
“The board continues to take this issue seriously and our unwavering commitment is to ensuring the integrity and values of the University of Colorado. While we understand and appreciate the public’s interest in the issue, we will not make further public comment while the inquiry proceeds.”
