August 26 – Interim President Coltrane shared the following remarks during the first public input session of the President’s Review Panel, an eight-member panel he appointed to examine the UO’s practices and procedures for preventing and responding to sexual misconduct.

I want to, again, sincerely thank the members of our panel for undertaking this critical review of the UO’s practices and protocols for preventing and responding to sexual misconduct. This is really important work for our students, for our campus, and for campuses across the nation.

I also want to thank everyone here today, taking time to come and speak with the panel to make a difference at the UO.

I’ll tell you what I told the panel yesterday morning. I am deeply committed to this effort.  I’ve worked here at the UO for six years, as the Arts and Sciences Dean, then as Provost and now as Interim president. I care about this university, our students, faculty and staff, and the impact we have on the community.

Over my career, I’ve see the difference education and opportunity can make for our undergrad and graduate students.  But if a student doesn’t feel safe, if a student is sexually harassed, or assaulted – their whole life changes.

We much – ethically, morally, and legally – do all that we can do to make this a safe, respectful place for every student.

That starts with prevention and education – as I understand – that is the focus of today’s discussion.

My academic career – while not directly related – does focus on gender and power issues.  I am personally – as a father and husband, and professionally – as the interim president committed and passionate to learning about what the UO can do better.

I am very pleased the panel is listening to what you have to say – and that they are finding many other ways to really understand our situation here at the UO.

I encourage everyone to be candid so we can learn from your experiences.

So again, thank you for being here, for helping the panel understand our situation, and helping us improve our practices.

Thank you.