DE PERE, WI (WTAQ) – It was reported on Friday that St. Norbert College has hired a third-party investigator to look into administrative mishandles of sexual assault.
Reverend Jay Fostner, the Vice President for Mission and Student Affairs and an assistant professor of psychology, is being investigated following a request to do so from hundreds of alumni.
St. Norbert College President Brian Bruess received a letter earlier this month signed by more than 300 alumni. The letter demanded a transparent investigation be launched into Fostner’s conduct while at the university.
The letter stated: “There is a consistent pattern of covering up sexual misconduct, disregard for the Title IX process, and placing survivors under duress with the goal of silencing them.”
2017 graduate Margaret Uselman posted on social media and outlined a series of incidents involving Fostner’s handling of sexual assault reports.
“I think investigating what went on in the past is going to be a really important step because there isn’t going to be any reconciliation until there is truth-telling,” she says.
University President Bruan Bruess provided a written statement.
“We’re reviewing this complaint consistent with the way we handle all complaints at the college and we take all complaints seriously and review them consistent with our college policies. This review was initiated out of an abundance of caution and with the full support of Fr. Jay,” says Bruess in his statement.
Bruess said it was his decision to go through a third-party investigator and would not reveal who the investigator is.
Fostner will continue his normal duties at the school during the investigation, according to St. Norbert President Brian Bruess.
Fostner was placed on administrative leave earlier this year due to separate allegations of misconduct in the 1980’s but was later cleared of those allegations.
