UE students react to firing of Walter McCarty, ex-basketball coach some saw as a role model
EVANSVILLE, Ind. — After the firing of University of Evansville's head men's basketball Walter McCarty Tuesday evening, several students on campus expressed their support for the university's decision.
UE freshman Kent Biehle said after hearing about McCarty's dismissal there seems to be low morale on campus, with the majority of students agreeing with the firing of the former coach.
"First putting him on leave and then firing him was the best way they could sort out the information," he said. "They definitely took the right measures."
Walter McCarty was fired after misconduct allegations
UE announced McCarty's firing Tuesday night in a statement after receiving additional reports of alleged misconduct following his placement on administrative leave Dec. 27.
"There is no place at UE for any behavior by any University employee or student that jeopardizes the safety and security of others," the release states.
Since McCarty's arrival in March 2018, UE issued him warnings regarding inappropriate off-court behavior with members of the campus community, university officials have said. He also participated in training concerning acceptable behavior under Title IX.
Title IX was passed in 1972. At first, the federal law emphasized gender equity, but it has expanded to focus on sexual harassment and violence. Some examples of violations include derogatory or sexist remarks, sexually suggestive jokes, inappropriate touching, physical sexual advances and more.
In a statement from McCarty's attorney Jon Little, McCarty denies the allegations.
McCarty "wants to be equally clear to the Evansville community and all supporters that he did not engage in any sexual misconduct or violate the University’s Title IX Policy," the statement reads. "The University’s press release (Tuesday) was once again self-serving, misleading and inaccurate."
Some students were shocked, others saw it coming
UE freshman Caleb Wassmer, a member of the school's golf team, said he was shocked by the reports of McCarty's violation, especially considering McCarty is one of the biggest public figures in the city.
“I find it surprising because we’re such a small campus community, and everyone would know it,” Wassmer said. “And since he’s such a big name in Evansville, (the allegations) would obviously reach the news headlines.”
UE senior Lexie Sollman said the reports of McCarty's Title IX violations weren't surprising. Rumors have circulated on campus among students about his behavior for some time, she said.
Still, Sollman said she was disturbed after hearing about his actions because of the impact he had on the local community.
"Coach McCarty was someone everyone looked up to, not just the basketball players," Sollman said. "We definitely had a high regard for him, so they definitely saw him as a role model...I was disappointed to hear about it."
UE basketball will bounce back, student says
Though in support of UE's decision, Sollman said she would like to know more about McCarty's violation from university officials.
"I feel like they were trying to downplay it some," she said. "I would've liked to know a little bit more details on it, but overall I could understand why the university would keep it so low. It's a tricky situation that UE was in."
Wassmer said many may question the university following McCarty's departure, but he's confident no other issues of this magnitude are present on campus.
Instead, Wassmer believes the university and its basketball team will recover from McCarty's firing and move forward.