UNLV awaiting AD's accusers to come forward with details

No one in the UNLV athletic department has taken president Dr. Carol Harter up on her offer to come forward with information that would confirm allegations that athletic director Charles Cavagnaro made racial and/or sexist remarks aimed at the school's student-athletes.

Cavagnaro has been accused of calling football and basketball players "monkeys" and/or "apes" and referring to members of the softball team as "dykes in spikes" by sources within the athletic department.

Harter said Monday she is hoping that if anyone has something to say, they'll do it soon.

"We're in this basic limbo right now," she said. "We're waiting for someone to come forward.

"I don't have an ultimate sense of when we need to have a deadline. We need to give people some time, but I don't know how long that is. But not too long. I'm hopeful we can bring it to closure soon."

Harter said she would like to see some movement on the matter by the time classes conclude next week.

"That's a logical timeframe for people to come forward," she said.

The president reaffirmed her vow that anyone who comes forward would not risk retribution.

"Absolutely," she said.

Assistant legal counsel Karl Armstrong said the university's policy is very clear.

"An employee has the right to speak on any matter without the fear of reprisal," he said. "There are internal procedures available that provide for confidentiality."

Two Southern Nevada Regents said Monday they have not had anyone step forward.

"One employee did contact me seeking some advice," Regent Mark Alden said. "They had some concerns about approaching Marc Cardinalli (UNLV's administrative code officer) because they don't feel comfortable talking to him. But to this point, nobody has been willing to testify."

Regent Shelley Berkley said no one has contacted her.

"I thought I'd hear from somebody," Berkley said from Washington, D.C. "I can guarantee you that there will be no retribution whatsoever if anyone comes forward.

"Racism cannot be tolerated anywhere in society, especially on a college campus where we pride ourselves on enlightened and progressive thinking. If indeed racist remarks were made, it is vitally important that someone come forward and report the incident so we can initiate a thorough investigation."

Alden and Berkley made it clear they are strictly observers at this point.

"My concern is to protect the rights of the employees, the former employees and Mr. Cavagnaro," Alden said. "It's up to the president to run the university. As a regent, I can't get involved (at this point)."

Berkley said: "I have spoken with the president about this matter and should an investigation show that racist remarks were made, the president must take immediate and strong action."

There has been some pressure for an investigation from the black community, and Harter confirmed that she will meet this week with the Rev. James Rogers, president of the Las Vegas NAACP chapter.

Rogers demanded a meeting with Harter after learning of the allegations from media reports.

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