At SU, officials keep an alleged abuser’s ties to the university quiet
Lawsuits claim Syracuse University knew and allowed about years of abuse from graduate student, employee and coach Conrad Mainwaring. Read more »
Writer archives: Michael Sessa
Policies meant to prevent abuse on SU's campus have gaps, review shows
Three decades after Conrad Mainwaring’s string of sexual abuse at SU, the university implemented policies to protect young people on campus. The policies, while strong, have gaps. Read more »
NY legislation could provide a chance at justice for survivors of abuse at SU
Conrad Mainwaring was one of the first people Robert Bender met at SU. Eventually, Mainwaring sexually assaulted him. But unlike the survivors who have sued SU for employing the man who abused them as children, Bender has no legal recourse. Read more »
SU places Phi Kappa Theta on probation, Lambda Upsilon Lambda on investigative status
Phi Kappa Theta was found responsible for violations of the Code of Student Conduct as well as Fraternity and Sorority Affairs policies. Read more »
Student files class action lawsuit against SU over data breach that affected 10,000
After a data breach that exposed the names and Social Security numbers of nearly 10,000 people, a Syracuse University student affected by the breach is suing the university for negligence. Read more »
Former student sues SU for negligence, indifference in Chase Scanlan case
A former Syracuse University student is suing the university and two of its officials, claiming they were “deliberately indifferent," although SU responded that "nothing could be further from the truth.” Read more »
Lawsuit alleges SU’s website fails to meet federal accessibility standards
The lawsuit, filed by a prospective SU student, alleges that the university's website fails to meet federal accessibility standards. Read more »
SU overlooked Conrad Mainwaring's sex abuse of underage boys, lawsuit claims
Mainwaring has been accused of sexually abusing former SU students and athletes, and four lawsuits have been filed against the university. Read more »
Duck: Michael Sessa
Asst. Editorial Editor | Spring 2019; Editorial Editor | Fall 2019; Asst. News Editor | Spring 2020-Fall 2020; News Editor | Spring 2021 Read more »
Legalization leaves students using marijuana medically with questions
It is now legal to use marijuana for medical and recreational purposes state-wide, but many colleges and universities receiving federal money still prohibit the use of marijuana on campus. Read more »
SU appeals sexual abuse lawsuit to State Supreme Court
The two lawsuits allege that SU “knowingly and willingly failed” to conduct proper investigations into credible claims. Read more »
Student accused of cheating sues SU, claims he was denied fair hearing
The lawsuit claims that SU kept no record of the hearing used to determine the student’s guilt. Read more »
Judge denies SU's motions to dismiss sexual abuse lawsuits
The two lawsuits allege that SU “knowingly and willingly failed” to conduct proper investigations into credible claims that Mainwaring was abusing young boys in his dorm. Read more »
DPS finds no suspects in investigation into racist anti-Asian flyers
The flyers, which contained racist language targeting Chinese students, were found in Eggers Hall, Huntington Hall and the Hall of Languages on March 10. Read more »
SU survey finds widespread dissatisfaction with campus climate
The Board of Trustees Special Committee on University Climate, Diversity and Inclusion engaged Damon Williams and the Center for Strategic Diversity Leadership and Social Innovation to implement a campus climate survey last fall. Read more »
SU places Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority on investigative status
The sorority must cease all activity while the university investigates the allegations. Read more »
County expected to open vaccine appointments for SU students on Thursday
Open COVID-19 vaccination appointments for students are expected to last through Tuesday, March 30. Read more »
Phi Alpha Delta, SU’s pre-law fraternity, placed on investigative status
Syracuse University placed its chapter of Phi Alpha Delta on investigative status for alleged violations of the Code of Student Conduct. Read more »
Student that SU said posed 'imminent threat' to campus sues university
The exact details of the case are unclear. Since all documents related to the case are now under seal, the public cannot access them. Read more »
In conduct proceedings, SU gets to make the rules — and change them at will
Unlike student conduct offices at public colleges, OSRR is not bound by due process — a standard set by the courts — and instead utilizes “fundamental fairness." Read more »
‘No rational basis’: Court annuls Alpha Chi Rho suspension
The university suspended the fraternity in November 2020 after it determined that members and guests shouted a racial slur at a Black woman. Read more »
Breaking down Syracuse University’s student conduct process
Since conduct procedures differ so much from the ones that play out in courtrooms, the process can often leave students and their families unsure of their rights and the basic functions of the system. Read more »
At SU, 95% of students sexually assaulted don't report their abuse
Experts in sexual assault and Title IX are concerned about the large percentage of SU students who don't report sexual assault. Read more »
Breaking down the Board of Trustees diversity and inclusion recommendations
The committee initially planned to release its report in August but delayed its rollout until March because of the coronavirus pandemic. Read more »
