The University of Kentucky is facing disturbing allegations of sexual assault by former swimming and diving coach Lars Jorgensen, as outlined in a lawsuit filed by two former team members. The lawsuit also implicates the school and athletic director Mitch Barnhart, alleging that the school disregarded reports of inappropriate sexual relationships and allowed Jorgensen to create a toxic and sexually hostile environment. The university’s spokeswoman expressed distress over the allegations and stated that they will cooperate with law enforcement to address the situation.
The lawsuit highlights that Jorgensen’s predecessor, Gary Conell, was made aware of previous alleged misconduct by Jorgensen at Toledo but did not follow up on the information. It also claims that Barnhart did not investigate allegations or follow up on an email regarding the coach’s behavior, ultimately hiring Jorgensen. Barnhart has refrained from commenting on the matter due to ongoing litigation but emphasized the importance of ensuring safety for student-athletes, coaches, and staff.
In response to the allegations, the university issued a statement affirming its commitment to the health and safety of students and employees. The statement emphasized that the school has zero tolerance for harm, harassment, or abuse, and will take all necessary steps to ensure the well-being of students, faculty, and staff. The university urged its community to report any instances of misconduct or abuse to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
The release from the university spokeswoman also mentioned that they had contacted law enforcement upon learning about the details of the lawsuit. It condemned the abuse described in the lawsuit and reassured the university community that they would not tolerate such behaviors. The statement aimed to make it clear that the safety and well-being of students, faculty, and staff are top priorities for the university, and they are committed to addressing any instances of misconduct or abuse promptly and effectively.
The lawsuit and allegations have raised concerns about the handling of reports of misconduct within the university’s athletic department. The lawsuit accuses the school of purposefully ignoring reports of inappropriate sexual relationships and allowing a toxic environment to persist under Jorgensen’s leadership. The case underscores the importance of proper oversight and accountability within athletic programs to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals involved.
As the legal proceedings continue, the University of Kentucky will be under scrutiny to demonstrate its commitment to addressing the allegations of sexual assault and misconduct in a thorough and transparent manner. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for student-athletes, coaches, and staff and the need for institutions to take reports of misconduct seriously to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
