by Jack Helean & Patrick Thomas
CALHOUN COUNTY, Ala. (WBMA) — The President of Jacksonville State University didn’t attend today’s scheduled emergency board meeting after several rape cases were reported to Jacksonville State University police this week.
JSU President John Beehler told ABC 33/40 this morning that he wouldn’t attend the 1 p.m. board of trustees emergency meeting to evaluate him, and discuss possible litigation & Title IX investigations.
The emergency board meeting was scheduled for today after six statutory rapes were reported to Jacksonville State University campus police this week.
President Beehler turned down an interview request today and in regards to the allegations of rape of minors on/off/near campus, he said over the phone, “There’s nothing really to say. Everything is being handled internally.”
Four of the six cases reportedly happened near JSU residence halls, while one happened near an academic building and another case happened off campus.
JSU’s attorney said this week that the investigation is on-going and that an “outside agency” is investigating the reports.
Nine young men were subsequently arrested and charged for the alleged rapes on Tuesday, the Gadsden Times reported.
According to the schools crime log, all six cases were reported on September 11, 2019 and all of the incidents happened this year.
Students said university police have stepped up campus security this week and they are now being required to show proof that they are a resident before they enter a residence hall.
