2023-04-28 NMSU Executive Summary

Memorandum
TO: Roy Collins, III, Esq.
FROM: Paul J. Murphy, Esq. and David G. Thomas, Esq.
DATE: April 28, 2023
RE: Executive Summary: Internal Investigation in Response to NMSU Men’s

Basketball Team 2023 Hazing Allegations
New Mexico State University (“NMSU”) retained Greenberg Traurig, LLP (“GT”) to
conduct an internal investigation (“GT Investigation”) in response to certain hazing allegations
made by a member of the NMSU Men’s Basketball Team in 2023 (“2023 Allegations”). Our
investigation focused on a programmatic review of NMSU’s anti-hazing policies and procedures.
Based on that review, we make certain recommendations below. GT was not retained to
investigate the 2023 Allegations themselves. Rather, NMSU’s Office of Institutional Equity
(“OIE”) and/or the Dean of Students Office (“DOS”) is conducting that investigation, which
investigatory process is still pending. Also, the 2023 Allegations are now the subject of a pending
civil lawsuit and arbitration proceeding. Consequently, we do not render any conclusions or
opinions at this time about whether (i) the 2023 Allegations are credible, (ii) NMSU’s existing
policies and procedures to prevent hazing were adequate, or (iii) any person did not abide by those
policies and procedures with respect to the 2023 Allegations. Nothing herein is intended to waive
any rights to the confidentiality of the GT Investigation or any materials/interviews referenced
herein, including, without limitation, any rights provided by the attorney-client privilege, work-
product doctrine, or any other applicable privilege or immunity.
MATERIALS REVIEWED AND INTERVIEWS CONDUCTED
GT reviewed the following materials in connection with the GT Investigation:
1. NMSU’s Administrative Rules and Procedures (“ARP”);

2. NMSU’s Regents Policy Manual;
3. Student Athlete Handbook 2023;
4. Search Preparation, A Report on Community Expectations for Your Next Office of
Institutional Equity Leader (Segal Consulting, October 1, 2022);
5. Office of Institutional Equity Leader Search Preparation, Findings and
Recommendations (Segal Consulting PowerPoint, October 12, 2022);
6. Executive Summary Memorandum (Rodey, Dickason, Sloan, Akin & Robb, P.A.,
Mar. 15, 2023);
7. Voluminous records provided by the Chancellor, Athletic Department, DOS, and
the Admissions Department;
8. Virtual Training Modules and materials for NMSU students and employees;
9. “Greek Life” Training Module for fraternities and sororities; and
10. OIE Draft Investigative Report and Exhibits (April 18, 2023).
Roy Collins, III, Esq.
April 28, 2023 Page 2
GT also interviewed the following people (listed in alphabetical order by last name) on one or
more occasions:
1. Dr. Amber Burdge, Associate Athletic Director/Senior Woman Administrator;

2. Roy Collins, III, Esq., General Counsel;
3. Annamarie DeLovato, Deputy Director of OIE;
4. Kenneth L. Glascock, Chief Audit Officer;
5. Nate Flores, Associate Athletic Director/Compliance;
6. Dr. Ann C. Goodman, Associate Vice President of Student Development and Dean
of Students;
7. Seth Miner, Associate Vice President of Enrollment Services, Director of
Admissions;
8. Mario Moccia, Director of Athletics;
9. Dr. Allison Vaillancourt, Segal Consulting and
10. Charles J. Vigil, Esq., Rodey, Dickason, Sloan, Akin & Robb, P.A.
All interviewees were collaborative, accommodating, and candid. Finally, GT conducted a three-
day site visit at NMSU, including a physical visit to the Athletics Department and its related
facilities.
Based on the GT Investigation, we recommend that NMSU take the following actions with
respect its existing anti-hazing policies and procedures:
1. Training for All Students and Employees.
NMSU should retain an independent, third-party to assist NMSU review and, to the extent
necessary, revise its existing training modules to include the latest education in hazing prevention
and response. The hazing prevention and response training should be provided to all employees
and students, including athletes and students participating in fraternities and sororities.
2. Investigation of and Response to Hazing Allegations by OIE, DOS, and/or

Other Departments.
NMSU should retain an independent third-party to review the organizational effectiveness,

working relationships, and reporting structures of the relevant NMSU departments responsible for
(i) hazing prevention and response training, and (ii) response to, and investigation of, hazing
allegations, which should include, without limitation, OIE (to the extent hazing allegations
implicate Title IX), DOS, and any other NMSU department in which the alleged hazing occurred.

2023-04-28 NMSU Executive Summary

Uploaded by

Copyright:

2023-04-28 NMSU Executive Summary

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

2023-04-28 NMSU Executive Summary

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Memorandum

TO: Roy Collins, III, Esq.

FROM: Paul J. Murphy, Esq. and David G. Thomas, Esq.

DATE: April 28, 2023

RE: Executive Summary: Internal Investigation in Response to NMSU Men’s

MATERIALS REVIEWED AND INTERVIEWS CONDUCTED

GT reviewed the following materials in connection with the GT Investigation:

1. NMSU’s Administrative Rules and Procedures (“ARP”);

1. Dr. Amber Burdge, Associate Athletic Director/Senior Woman Administrator;

1. Training for All Students and Employees.

2. Investigation of and Response to Hazing Allegations by OIE, DOS, and/or

NMSU should retain an independent third-party to review the organizational effectiveness,

You might also like

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.