WSU released the following statement in response to the Evergreen’s investigative piece regarding sexual misconduct allegations against Jason Gesser.

The statement, attributed to President Kirk Schulz and Director of Athletics Patrick Chun, is replicated in full below.

“We take any allegation of sexual misconduct extremely seriously. A thorough review was launched by the University’s Office for Equal Opportunity once University administrators became aware of allegations against Mr. Gesser in December 2017. On multiple occasions, investigators interviewed or attempted to interview all those allegedly involved. Following a comprehensive evaluation of the information available, the Office for Equal Opportunity found no violation of University policy.

As per standard practice, the Office for Equal Opportunity shared its report with Washington State University’s Office of Human Resource Services. Human resources staff worked with Director of Athletics Pat Chun to directly address with Mr. Gesser the issues raised in the report.

It is important to reiterate that the University followed its established procedures to review the matter and found no violation of Washington State University policy. The allegations were taken seriously and addressed at the appropriate level.

As part of a separate audit of Mr. Gesser’s travel receipts in his role as an Athletics Department fundraiser, a $39.78 overcharge was identified. Mr. Gesser has since reimbursed the University for the full amount.

If individuals have any information regarding allegations of misconduct by WSU employees, they should call the Office for Equal Opportunity at 509-335-8288 or send email to [email protected].”

However, this release directly contradicts information obtained by the Evergreen. In interviews with women named in the public records as being involved with Gesser, two of them said they had not previously been contacted by OEO officials in regard to allegations against Gesser. We are currently working to confirm a third denial.

The Evergreen will continue to withhold the names of the women mentioned in the public records in an effort to protect their identities and reputation.

As part of the investigation, the Evergreen requested all Human Resource Services documents related to the Gesser concerns. We have not received those documents.