By Adam Studzinski
NORMAL – Illinois State University’s president said the alleged sexual assault which happened hall during freshman preview this week is the first such incident in the 50 year history of the program.
“Everyone here was empathetic to the victim of that,” said President Larry Dietz. “We were offended on many, many levels that something like that would happen on our campus.”
The female victim told officials the assault happened in a residence hall on Tuesday night. A father, Shawn Childs Sr., and his son, Shawn Childs Jr., 19, both of Chicago have been charged relating to the incident.
During Friday’s Board of Trustees meeting, Dietz commended the victim for reporting the assault quickly.
“We just are looking forward to continuing to provide good opportunities for those that visit with us,” said Dietz. “This is an isolated, unfortunate incident.”
Dietz added more than 10,000 people will visit the Illinois State campus just for freshman preview. That doesn’t include those who will visit for open houses.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at adam.studzinski@cumulus.com.
