December 5, 2020
UW statement on the suspension of Nahziah Carter
“On Jan. 14, 2020, the University of Washington’s Title IX Investigation Office met with a student who brought a complaint against Nahziah Carter. As soon as the complainant was prepared to move forward, Carter was notified, an investigation began and a no-contact order was issued on Jan. 21. The investigation concluded on April 13 and the case was referred to a hearing officer, which is required by federal and Washington state law before a student can be suspended from the university.
“Both Carter and the complainant requested that the hearing be delayed. It was held on July 29. On Oct. 2, the hearing officer determined that Carter was responsible for violating the Student Conduct Code regarding sexual assault (WAC 478-121-150). The athletics department suspended Carter from the men’s basketball team indefinitely. Carter had 21 days to appeal the Title IX decision, and he did so on Oct. 23. The appeal was denied and the original decision was upheld on Dec. 2. The sanction is a suspension from the UW for three academic quarters – Winter 2021, Spring 2021 and Summer 2021 – and makes the no-contact order with the complainant permanent.
“The UW’s Title IX Office met with a second student who brought a complaint against Carter on March 17, 2020. As soon as the complainant was prepared to move forward, Carter was notified, an investigation began and a no-contact order was issued on March 26. The investigation concluded on June 12 and the case was referred to a hearing officer, as required by federal and Washington state law before a student can be suspended from the university.
“The hearing was held on Sept. 18, following a delay that had been requested by both Carter and the complainant. The hearing officer issued an initial order on Nov. 13, determining that Carter was responsible for violating the Student Conduct Code regarding sexual assault. No appeal was filed as of the Dec. 4 deadline, making the decision final. The sanction is a suspension from the UW for two academic quarters – Winter 2021 and Spring 2021 – and makes the no-contact order with the complainant permanent.
“Because the two cases were brought separately and the second case was decided before the conclusion of the first case on Dec. 2, the hearing officer could not consider the first finding as a previous violation while determining the sanction for the second violation.
“The UW’s Title IX Office acted swiftly to gather information, investigate the facts and render carefully considered decisions after fair hearings on these matters. The UW is committed to preventing sexual assault and sexual harassment, and to supporting and protecting our students, faculty and staff while upholding due process, and properly investigating and addressing allegations of this nature.” – Victor Balta, UW spokesperson
The University of Washington is committed to preventing sexual assault, misconduct and harassment. Resources – including ways to get support and information on how to report sexual assault to law enforcement and/or the University – are available at uw.edu/sexualassault.
