Credit usu.edu
In the joint review requested by the USU Board of Trustees and the state Board of Higher Education, the external investigators concluded that neither Cockett nor athletic Director John Hartwell “expressly stated that their ‘primary concern’ about Coach Maile was his religious or cultural background, nor that his background would disqualify him as a coaching candidate.”
Instead, investigators wrote that after interviewing 30 of the 53 athletes present in the meeting, as well as Cockett and Hartwell, they concluded that “the inclusivity concerns raised by Pres. Cockett were designed to promote a discussion with athletes about the degree to which they felt included and welcomed at Utah State.”
LOGAN An external review initiated by both the Utah State Board of Trustees and the Utah Board of Higher Education found that neither Utah State University President Noelle E. Cockett nor athletic director John Hartwell expressly stated that their primary concern about Coach (Frank) Maile was his religious or cultural background.
The Utah Board of Higher Education expressed unanimous support for Cockett following reviews conducted by two Salt Lake law firms over remarks she made concerning Maile during a Zoom meeting with some members of the football team in early December. Though some remarks made were interpreted as potential or cultural bias, they were not intended as such, the board stated. President Cockett has long demonstrated her commitment to make USU a welcoming, nurturing environment for people from all backgrounds.
“I am so pumped to be part of this family and Bronco Nation. I am humble and grateful that Coach Avalos would allow me the privilege to influence these young men and this community,
The Utah Board of Higher Education unanimously voted to support Utah State University President Noelle Cockett on Friday after investigations into accusations of discriminatory comments concluded this week.
on January 15, 2021 at 12:38 pm
During a meeting with the Utah Board of Higher Education on Friday, the Board ruled on a motion in favor of Utah State University President Noelle Cockett. The motion concerned comments attributed to Cockett about interim Head Coach Frank Maile’s religious and cultural background.
The statement, as indicated by the Board, expresses the seriousness of the concern by USU student athletes.
“Because the athletes were focused on expressing their support for Coach Maile, we conclude that it is likely they understandably interpreted Pres. Cockett’s comments as a criticism of or commentary on Coach Maile.”