UNCSA Lawsuit & Response

On December 29, 2021, a total of 56 plaintiffs filed an amended complaint in the Forsyth County Superior Court with allegations of historical sexual misconduct at UNCSA. This amended complaint includes the plaintiffs and defendants named in the complaints filed on September 29 and November 29, and additional plaintiffs and administrators and faculty named as defendants. The complaints range in time from 1969-2012.

The UNCSA community cares deeply about the safety and well-being of our students, employees and alumni. Simply stated, we are horrified by the allegations of sexual abuse and are appalled by the concept that sexual abuse could happen under the guise of artistic training. We recognize that the words here are only a start — it is our actions that will most clearly communicate the strength of our commitment.

It is our intent to respond to this litigation in a manner consistent with our values — to listen to the accounts with empathy and openness; to appreciate the courage it took for our alumni to share their experiences; and to take steps to acknowledge and address any historical sexual misconduct with candor and compassion.

We are also committed to routinely reviewing and improving these safeguards as well as the Title IX reporting and response processes. Accordingly, we will begin an additional external review of current safeguards, reporting structures and response resources to ensure we continue to serve student needs fully.