Report: 'No credible evidence' MSU discriminated against top black official

An independent review showed "no credible evidence" that Missouri State University discriminated against its top black official.

The outside investigation was prompted by allegations made in an online petition that Ken Coopwood, vice president of diversity and inclusion, suffered "despicable and hostile" behavior by his own staff, was discriminated against by the administration and was marginalized when his position was restructured a year ago.

In early December, the MSU Board of Governors hired a special investigative team to look into the allegations. The final report was provided to the board during a closed meeting Wednesday, and a summary of the report was made public Thursday.

MSU hires investigator to review allegations of 'racist treatment'

Stephen Hoven, chair of the MSU Board of Governors, said the investigators interviewed numerous individuals — 12 of whom were suggested by Coopwood — and reviewed dozens of documents, including requested employee emails, Coopwood's personnel file, student demand lists, and "employee complaints and investigations."

“Our investigators interviewed 38 individuals on and off campus and we are confident that they were both thorough and impartial in their pursuit of the facts in this case,” Hoven said in a news release. “We are extremely pleased with the manner with which the allegations were investigated. The bottom line is that the report does not find evidence to support claims of discrimination and we are absolutely confident that this conclusion is accurate."

Hoven also reiterated the board's support for MSU President Clif Smart, who has said the allegations were untrue and that he has not "mistreated nor discriminated against" Coopwood.

“I fully welcomed this investigation and believe in the need to be transparent,” Smart said, in the news release. “I am pleased that the report supports our assertions that Missouri State strives to be a diverse and inclusive campus.”

Springfield attorney John Hammons Jr. led the investigation and was assisted by two other attorneys, Nicole Hutson and Jessica Hill. They are all part of the local law firm Ellis, Ellis, Hammons & Johnson.

In the summary, the team wrote: "Based upon our investigation, we find no credible evidence which leads us to conclude that Dr. Coopwood has been discriminated against because of his race in connection to his employment at the university."

Coopwood was hired in October 2011 as MSU's first black vice president. At the time, the university touted the new position — vice president of diversity and inclusion — as part of ongoing efforts to improve diversity at MSU and make the campus more welcoming to staff, faculty and students from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Springfield business owner DuSean Howard started a petition on MoveOn.org in late November after numerous conversations with Coopwood, whom he described as a close friend. The petition titled "First Black VP being mistreated at MSU" alleged Coopwood was paid less than his white peers, had been "racially profiled as incompetent" and that his job was restructured to reduce his effectiveness.

Petition alleges 'racist treatment' of MSU's top black official

Howard declined to participate in the MSU investigation but told the News-Leader that he is "gratified" the MSU board launched an investigation. Howard said Coopwood reached out to him with the concerns and he "did my part."

Asked to respond to the outcome of the investigation, Howard said: "We asked for an investigation and that's what we got. I don't know where else we can go from here and what else we can do. It's up to Dr. Coopwood to push this forward, if he wants to."

Howard initially demanded that the "treatment afforded to Dr. Coopwood be revealed publicly." He also requested the MSU Board of Governors "investigate Dr. Coopwood's experience since moving to Springfield" — and, if needed, bring the petition to the attention of Gov. Jay Nixon.

Except for an email exchange with the News-Leader in early December, Coopwood has declined to answer questions or comment on either the petition or his treatment at MSU. On Dec. 2, he wrote: "I will talk when the time is right. I’m sorry. There are many people who know how I’ve been treated. They are your best sources because my service to them had to change as a result."

Coopwood did not respond to an email seeking comment Thursday.

The executive summary of the investigative report included a series of findings and conclusions, including:

• Coopwood's annual salary was "determined based on the same process and criteria that were used for other vice presidents at the university." His current pay is $120,402.

A News-Leader review showed Coopwood made slightly less than other vice presidents. MSU officials have said pay is based on numerous factors, including market value for that position and the scope of responsibilities.

The investigation showed the university relies on the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources in setting the pay for specific positions, and the average pay for an individual in Coopwood's position is $99,779. It also showed that Coopwood has received the same raise as other university employees.

• The operating budget for the Division of Diversity and Inclusion, which Coopwood oversees, has increased from $280,456 in 2013 to nearly $400,000 this year. The investigation showed the method of setting the budget for Coopwood's division is "the same as other divisions and vice presidents of the university."

• The MSU president has made "additional funds available" to the Division of Diversity and Inclusion as well as other diversity projects. The extra funds, in recent years, have been more than $1.2 million, and in some cases, those funds came directly from the president's budget.

The report shows the additional funding included more than $800,000 to renovate the Meyer Library space for the Disability Resource Center and the federal Trio programs, which help traditionally "underserved" student groups; $180,000 to renovate Coopwood's office suite; $140,000 for the Climate Study, which evaluated perceptions of diversity and inclusiveness on campus; and other funds to add a clerical position, conduct a statewide diversity conference and offer diversity workshops and conferences.

• The Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance, which had reported to Coopwood, was moved in mid-2014 to give the MSU president more involvement in Title IX compliance efforts, in light of the "ongoing national discussions regarding sexual assaults on college campuses."

The investigation also concluded the move was designed to create a direct reporting line to the president "in order to remove the potential for conflicts of interest in the OIEC's investigation of internal complaints."

• According to the investigation, the restructuring of Coopwood's job was "due to ongoing complaints by personnel with the division for Diversity and Inclusion and to allow Dr. Coopwood to focus on strategic initiatives instead of day-to-day student programs."

In early 2014, four "student service" departments — the Disability Resource Center, Multicultural Resource Center and Programs, Multicultural Services and Trio programs — were moved from under Coopwood's supervision. They were moved to the Division of Student Affairs, which had oversight before Coopwood was hired.

The report states Coopwood was involved in the decision-making process that resulted in the changes and told "employees at the university and media outlets that he was pleased with the decision."

• Finally, the report states that there is "no credible evidence" the restructuring of Coopwood's job or the "personnel issues or employee complaints" within the Division of Diversity and Inclusion "were the result of racial discrimination against Dr. Coopwood."

MSU officials told the News-Leader they consider the matter closed and plan to "move forward from this and we will continue our commitment to creating a welcoming environment at Missouri State."

The News-Leader inquired about obtaining the entire report and was told it would not be released "due to privacy of personnel matters."

A final invoice has not been received, but the investigation was expected to cost up to $40,000.

Public petition wrong avenue for discrimination complaints

Petition alleges 'racist treatment' of MSU's top black official