Investigation finds Finley’s claims “unsubstantiated”
Tommy Lopez
Multimedia Editor
The investigation into whether former VCU volleyball coach James Finley was wrongfully terminated because of his sexual orientation concluded that Finley’s allegations are unfounded.
President Michael Rao announced the university’s decision on Dec. 20 to VCU students and faculty via email, a day after the school closed for winter break. The announcement said that the termination of Finley’s contract was within the bounds of the school’s employment practices and policies.
“I continue to have confidence in the process that produced the report and in Ed McLaughlin as VCU’s athletic director,” Rao said in the email. The VCU Office of Institutional Equity completed the investigation into the non-renewal of Finley’s contract.
Finley responded to the email in a statement released Dec. 22. He said the investigation’s report relied on some incorrect information.
“I’m obviously disappointed in the outcome of VCU’s initial investigation into my discrimination complaint,” Finley said in the statement. “I am dismayed by the poor quality of the investigative procedures followed and by numerous factual inaccuracies included in the report that appear to provide the basis for the conclusion reached.”
Finley said he is going to look into his options for recourse and hopes to challenge the report’s findings.
“This case has served as an opportunity to open new discussion and explore exemplary practices in how we demonstrate our commitment to diversity at VCU,” said Wanda Mitchell, vice president of diversity and equity, in a statement. “We will be engaging the university community to consider new ways of moving forward to ensure that VCU continues to be a national leader in promoting access, equity, diversity and excellence as a public urban research university.”
In the release, Mitchell said that in the near future her office will announce several initiatives to further strengthen diversity efforts at VCU. These initiatives will include opportunities for professional development among senior leadership and others that ensures advocacy for diverse and inclusive environments and promotes a culture of civility and respect for all individuals.
Since it was announced Finley’s contract would not be renewed, the school has held two diversity forums for VCU community members to voice any concerns they had.
A petition imploring Rao to reinstate Finley was created on change.org before the end of VCU’s fall semester. On Dec. 13, the petition had 100 signatures. At press time, it had more than 50,000.
