Dear Baylor students, athletes and alumni:
From Texas Tech University, I've sat and watched your sexual assault stories develop into the epidemic that now plagues your campus and beloved reputation. For nearly five years and with vigilant eyes, I examined the cases as they broke into the news and I now seek to become a voice for those who want to see change. Do I cheer when our colors clash on the gridiron or glossy courts? Absolutely, but your recent events surrounding sexual assault and your mishandling of proper reporting deserve a note. As I lay down my scarlet and black, I will not yell, "Yeah! Down with Baylor! They got what they deserved," because not only is that poor sportsmanship and not representative of my university, but because this involves serious issues that leave lasting impressions on those it includes.
Without laying out an entire timeline of events, your slippery slope began in 2012 with the arrest of a Baylor football player, Tevin Elliott, on sexual assault charges, just before three of his teammates, Oakman, Armstead and Ukwuachu, were accused of similar charges. Five years and a new head coach, athletic director and university president later, answers still remain hidden in the shadows of unreleased investigative reports and lawsuits. Many details are not covered in the previous sentences, but in short, it isn't pretty and your donors and current students aren't happy. I'm also not trying to negate the fact that these horrible crimes take place at other universities, as I know some Baylor students may try to counter with that argument. This isn't an article to see how much I can bash your university, but more so on how campuses shouldn't prioritize winning records above the safety and well-being of their students.
All in all, even after State Rep. Roland Gutierrez filed House Resolution 664 and yet another football staffer was fired last month for sending "inappropriate texts," I still believe your future is written by how you deal with these cases moving forward, not by a previous administration who was obsessed with filling a trophy case. Yes, we fiercely compete against each other within the Big 12 Conference, but regardless, please set the standard on how these cases should be handled. Be an example, for all eyes are on your green and gold and even Texas collegiate sports in itself. People are bound to make regretful mistakes, college athletes and university presidents alike, but no amount of national championships or Heisman winners are worth stonewalling the cases of sexual assault.
Baylor, I will not deny that you are my rival. I promise to cheer on my university every single time we play you, however, I will root for you in this rare case. Show the country how to deal with sexual assault. Texas stands for proper reporting of sexual harassment and assault accusations. We do not tolerate these crimes in our state. No cover ups or ignored calls and fully released investigations should be the "gold" standard for every campus in the nation. Your students, faculty and alumni base are not defined by the actions of a few inexcusable men and student-athletes. I stand with you, Baylor. Display your might, slam the door on issues like this in the future and roar back in mighty support of victims affected by these acts.
My sincere best wishes,
Ezra Chairez
Red Raider & Fellow Supportive Texan
