Although The University of Alabama is not named as a defendant in the lawsuit filed by the Rondini family related to an alleged sexual assault that occurred off campus, Beth Howard, our Title IX coordinator, and Cara Blakes, a national certified counselor and former UA employee, are. Even though no University employee or student was involved in the alleged assault against Megan Rondini, from the moment The University became aware of Megan’s needs, Ms. Howard and her team handled their responsibilities with care at all times keeping Megan’s wellbeing as their absolute highest priority. Ms. Howard is widely respected as one of the best in her field. She has built a team of professionals who are well trained and highly regarded for the important work they do. We will vigorously defend them.
Megan’s death is a tragedy. Our hearts go out to her loved ones who grieve her loss alongside our University family. Out of respect to Megan, the Rondini family, and the judicial process, The University does not intend to comment further on the substance of the lawsuit’s allegations, but we reiterate that a variety of counseling and other services are available to our students regardless of any need they may have.