Cavagnaro case could lead to bill opening internal probes

A lawmaker upset by a lack of information about a probe into alleged racist comments by a UNLV official has requested a bill to make such reports public.

Assemblyman Wendell Williams, D-Las Vegas, said his proposal stems from the lack of public information on an internal investigation into statements made by UNLV Athletics Director Charles Cavagnaro.

Williams, who asked university regents last month to conduct a new and independent investigation in the case, said his bill hopefully will reduce frustration in any similar cases that may arise.

The assemblyman sought the bill draft through the Assembly Education Committee, where he serves as chairman. Any bill would have to pass the 1999 Legislature and be signed by the governor before it could become law.

University regents and Las Vegas community activists have expressed frustration with a process that led to Cavagnaro being disciplined without any explanation of what occurred.

Regents are expected to hear a report on what, if any action they can take regarding the Cavagnaro matter at an Aug. 6-7 meeting in Elko.

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