How DePaul’s Title IX office plays into new lawsuit against university
Jonathan Aguilar | The DePaulia
Head Coach Eugene Lenti, pictured here during the Big East Championship, led the Blue Demons to the NCAA Tournament for the 20th time in his tenure with the program.
A lawsuit was filed against DePaul University on Thursday alleging that former DePaul softball coach Eugene Lenti was verbally and physically abusive to players and assistant coaches.
But the accusations went beyond that of one person’s actions. Jenny Conviser — a sports psychologist who counseled DePaul athletes prior to her allegedly wrongful termination and filed the suit — claimed that the university’s Title IX office violated reporting and investigating protocols required by law.
What is Title IX and what do we know about DePaul’s Title IX office?
Title IX is a federal civil rights law that was passed in 1972 as part of the Education Amendments of 1972. The law protects people from discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or athletics that receive federal funding.
DePaul’s Title IX office provides protection on sex and gender-based discrimination such as “sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual violence and gender-based dating and domestic violence and stalking,” according to its website.
DePaul’s office is made up of a Title IX coordinator, who oversees investigations and functions of the office and investigators who evaluate complaints made to the office. The office recently added a case manager position.
The office’s accessibility and conduct were questioned last year when students suggested that their cases had been mishandled.
One student said she had been blamed for an on-campus sexual assault after using illicit drugs, and another claimed that a Title IX official told a class of freshmen that most sexual assault reports on campus are false.
Several students indicated their legal rights under Title IX were not laid out for them by the office.
DePaul did not have a Title IX office — now called the Office of Gender Equity — until 2015. The first coordinator to hold the role was Karen Tamburro, who held the position from 2015 to 2018. She is now the director of gender equity at Northwestern University.
After Tamburro left the university, she was replaced by Jessica Landis as the Title IX coordinator. Landis remained at the university from Sept. 2018 to May 2019. Then, Ann Skiffington took over the position, but her tenure only lasted from Sept. 2019 to Jan. 2020.
Now, Kathryn Statz, former associate athletics director at DePaul, holds the position. She previously held a position as a Title IX investigator in the office, as well.
What does the lawsuit allege about DePaul’s Title IX office and its handling of issues?
Conviser, who filed the lawsuit, claims that DePaul’s leadership and the Title IX office are “conflicted and terminally under the sway of its lucrative Athletics department, with an improper revolving door and/or dual-hatted relationship between and among it, the Title IX and General Counsel’s Offices.”
The suit also claims that the university acts in this manner to protect its brand.
Conviser claims that as a mandated reporter of Title IX issues, she shared details of Lenti’s alleged abuse — including calling female softball players “f—–g whores’ and punching their bodies — with the office, and the office did not conduct an independent investigation of his behavior. If true, this would be a violation of Title IX, which says that immediate action, independent of law enforcement, must be taken by universities upon receiving notice of sexual violence or harassment.
She named Statz and Sue Walsh, associate athletics director of sports medicine, as the people she reported to.
After the office failed to conduct an investigation, Conviser was told to meet with Lenti directly and to help set up workshops for the student-athletes and the coaches. Conviser said in the suit she thought that was not her responsibility, and that the Title IX office was not helpful in conducting the meetings.
Further, Conviser alleges that Jill Hollembeck, who was a deputy Title IX coordinator and senior associate athletics director, said that “improper conduct, including of sexual nature, ‘doesn’t happen here’ because, in her words, the school is located in a ‘big city with lots of other entertainment and diversions.’”
DePaul’s Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act report, which is accessible to all students and staff with a Campus Connect login, indicates that in that 2017, there were 60 reports of sexual violence, 22 reports of domestic violence 10 reports of dating violence and 13 reports of stalking made to the Title IX office. The number of confidential or anonymous reports, which are recorded separately, are unknown for this year due to a data error by the university.
The suit also accuses DePaul and its Title IX office of a cover-up of Lenti’s abuse.
The suit details a five-step plan the university allegedly enacted to sweep the abuse under the rug.
- Let Lenti “slip out the back door” and retire with a good reputation and his pension likely intact. The suit alleges that this allowed Lenti to resurface and obtain a position at Auburn University. The suit states that there is no record of DePaul informing Auburn of the complaints against Lenti and the university did not properly report the incident to the U.S. Center for SafeSport as required.
- Fire the rest of Lenti’s coaching staff, including the alleged victim of his physical abuse.
- Terminate Conviser’s contract with the university, repudiate their contract with her company Ascend and stop referring patients to her.
- Defame Conviser and damage her reputation by falsely reporting that she discouraged athletes in her care from reporting instances of abuse. Conviser also accuses the university of “gaslighting” her by accusing her of “getting her facts wrong.”
- Protect the athletic department’s brand by covering up an “out-of-control coaching culture where star coaches abuse their power of trust over student-athletes and inflict harm on them, knowing that they will not be held accountable by the University.”
Conviser said she was further interrogated by Tamburro and accused of deterring students from reporting. Conviser thought Tamburro was protecting DePaul’s image.
Who are the key players in the lawsuit?
Conviser and Ascend Consultation in Health Care, LLC filed the lawsuit against DePaul on April 15, 2020.
Conviser alleged her contract with the university to counsel DePaul athletes was terminated two years ago after telling athletic department officials her concerns regarding Lenti’s behavior.
Lenti was the longtime coach of the women’s softball team and is the brother of athletic director Jean Lenti Ponsetto.
Lenti abruptly retired in 2018 following over 30 years at DePaul. He now serves as an assistant coach at Auburn University.
Tamburro served as the Title IX coordinator at the time of the investigation. She left the position in 2018 and now serves as the director of equal opportunity and access for Northwestern University’s Office of Equity.
Walsh is the associate athletics director of sports medicine and was informed by Conviser of the allegations against Lenti.
Statz served as the associate athletic director at the time of the investigation, where she also was informed by Conviser of the allegations against Lenti. She served as an investigator in the Title IX office as an investigator for one year, before being promoted to Title IX Coordinator in 2020.
Doug S • Apr 21, 2020 at 3:35 pm
If the accusation about punching an asst coach in the face is true, I can only say that men don’t just start punching people when they turn 60. Again, if true, we’re likely to hear of similar incidents as time goes on.
Also, re the Wintrust deal, seems pretty obvious that if you’re the University athletic department, you’d like to avoid controversy while that deal is being negotiated, especially is that controversy has a direct connection to the Wintrust executive that’s brokering the deal (as in husband and wife). The only shocking part about it is that people in the athletic department were stupid enough to think this would never become public.
As an alum, and the father of a daughter that played NCAA sports (not at DePaul), it makes me angry that women at DePaul betrayed the girls that they were charged with protecting. Shame on them.
Depaul Grad • Apr 20, 2020 at 1:17 am
When my daughter screamed mom your school is on TMZ, I was shocked and after reading entire lawsuit it’s sad to see so many of the rumors from former players and transfers being revealed in lawsuit and the great reporting by the DePaulia to be true. Ashamed to say I graduated from DePaul and heartbroken that so many women leaders could let this happen to thos young ladies.
Jennifer • Apr 19, 2020 at 8:48 am
Interesting that the DePaulia hopped on these allegations so quickly and reported multiple articles acting as if they were true.
By doing some minor research to check credibility of what happened, I was able to find that Dr. Convisor boasts on her website that she “currently directs Sports Psychology Services at DePaul University and works with athletes, musicians, parents, and coaches across the nation to assist them in achieving excellence in performance and competition.” If she CURRENTLY works with the school, unless she had an exclusive contract with the school, then they did not breach their contract.
Additionally, in using the DePaulia’s article about Coach Lenti’s exit from the school, I found that the only Associate Head Coach who ever worked under Eugene Lenti made an extremely positive comment stating “just to set the record straight, my departure from depaul had nothing to do with Eugene’s retirement. I resigned in May and moved back to California to be closer to family. I’m grateful for the time I was able to play for and coach with Eug. He made me a better person and coach. Glad I was able to be part of his staff and to finish on top!!” In these comments, there are also statements from the rest of the coaching staff – that were supposedly fired – about how much they appreciate Coach Lenti and their time at the school.
As an alum of the softball program, this does not represent the person that I knew, and I urge you all to think about the fact that in this country we are all Innocent Until Proven Guilty.
Alum • Apr 18, 2020 at 9:05 pm
Dr. Conviser is not looking for money she’s protecting the rights of students! She witnessed years of cover up by Jeanne Ponsetto, Sue Walsh and Kathryn Statz! I commend Dr. Conviser for protecting her clients!
DePaul not so proud alum • Apr 18, 2020 at 8:54 pm
I’m sorry but I can’t stay quiet any longer! The abuse in the athletic department has been going on for years! The verbal abuse to GA’s that were threatened to work way over the 25 hours at the hands of Karen Loiacono and Peter Tombasco! I witnessed Karen Loiacono push a cheerleading coach from behind during a basketball game that brought that coach to tears! Peter Tombasco threatened to black ball GA’s that questioned him! Black ball them? Peter Tombasco is a joke in the athletic world! I hope this lawsuit sheds finally brings change to this toxic athletic department
Sharon • Apr 18, 2020 at 8:49 pm
Yes, alums, come forward, and speak your truth! Be brave.
Unlike the rumors the A.D is already circulating-Dr. Conviser is not just doing this for money.
She cares. #standwithconviser
Alum • Apr 18, 2020 at 8:31 pm
Thank you Sharon for being the voice of so many alums who witnessed and was a victim of the verbal abuse at the hands of this coach! Our voices were never heard because Kathryn Statz and Jeanne protected Eug! Thank you to Dr. Conviser to find the courage and strength to stand up these bullies!!!!
Sharon • Apr 18, 2020 at 7:41 pm
I am not surprised reading all the above comments. As a former athlete, I realize, that all of experiences are not the same when it comes to coaches. Many of Coach Lenti’s supporters came out when he “retired”. It was done in 24 hours, cleaning out his office on a very quiet Saturday morning. Most people, including his players, were shocked, as there had been no mention of his retirement, and no fanfare for his incredible successful tenure. Please don’t be naive to think there wasn’t more to the story then. There were plenty of rumors that it was agreement then, that he sneak away to avoid accusations of fat-shaming and pony-tail pulling. But alas, shhhhhh…not a word from the A.D. in true Catholic fashion, be quiet , it will go away.
But guess what, it didn’t, because HE didn’t. He showed up on campus to play noon ball basketball with his cronies, all the while, his players, whom he verbally abused, and who had to get the courage to come forward, could witness. How uncomfortable is that? How is that protecting the student athletes? Where’s the A.D., who professes to be a Title IX guru? Or wait, could he get in the gym, because another Lenti, Mike has the keys?
All of the wonderful players who have gone on to fabulous professions, take a bow,. Take your own credit ladies. You were scholarship athletes who received a degree with much hard work. You made life long friendships, and you learned how to achieve. Be careful not to give credit to others, because, believe me, they will take it-especially if their name ends with an i.
DePaul Alum 2006 • Apr 18, 2020 at 6:53 pm
This is a lot worse than I thought it was at the time I was on campus. Everyone knew Lenti treated his players bad just ask any of them and they would tell you. It was well known around campus and that was 15 years ago! I have been calling for JLP’s job for years and this just is the icing on the cake. She has mismanaged the program into a laughing stock. I loved watching DePaul softball during the years in question (best team East of the Mississippi) but there needs to be a line you should not cross and clearly Lenti crossed it. Then his sister covers everything up for him and lets him “retire” with all his benefits. DePaul please fire the entire athletic department there needs to be some serious change within the university. Ponsetto has got to GO! #firejlp #keepitrealDePaul
DePaul Softball Alum • Apr 18, 2020 at 12:18 pm
@changeatdpu It seems that we aren’t going to agree on any of these topics, which is fine because you are entitled to your feelings and I mine.
In terms of Eug’s marriage, why is that even a topic you feel you need to discuss? You do not know what their family’s schedules are like and whether they are visiting each other. It does seem clear, based on the fact that they are still together, that they are doing fine.
If you want to talk about the on-campus banking deal and not the naming rights, then “The Lenti Connection” would not have anything to do with that. A Chicago bank, that happens to employ a former student, won a deal with a Chicago school. Shouldn’t the student body and school itself be proud of an alumna doing well in her profession and being part of a team that is connecting with her alma mater?
As I said, it seems that we will not agree, but I know Eugene Lenti. Myself and many other alumnae are extremely hurt by these allegations and cannot see any way that they would be true. Eugene is one of the kindest men that I have ever met. He always made sure that we were treated well while playing and welcomed us back to celebrate with the team. He has celebrated many weddings and new babies with us. He has helped us find jobs within coaching, connected us to other alumnae in our chosen profession, written us letters of recommendation, and cheered us on as we have succeeded.
ChangeAtDPU • Apr 18, 2020 at 11:19 am
@DePaul Softball Alum – You’re right! At age 62, leaving your wife and kids in Chicago while moving to Auburn, Alabama seems like a very successful marriage! No red flags there at all! Sure, go ahead and tell yourself that “Eug just loves coaching so much he had to take another job!” as if taking one locally wouldn’t have been a more realistic option. Come on. How stupid do you think we are?
Interesting. I didn’t bring up the arena naming rights deal or bring up Jean Lenti Ponsetto. I was speaking about the on-campus banking deal. What does the City of Chicago or the Mayor have to do with which bank has an exclusive student solicitation agreement with? Keep your blinders on, though.
Look, I hope you’re right here and hope that these accusations are proven to be false. However, just a hunch, something tells me that you’re going to be on the wrong side of history on this one.
DePaul Softball Alum • Apr 18, 2020 at 10:47 am
@changeatdpu I get that you are mad that Wintrust won that deal or you don’t like Jeanne, that is your cross to bear not mine.
Eugene and Kandace have been married for 30 years and have three grown daughters, so whether you think their marriage is creepy or not it appears to be very successful.
Additionally, if you think that Kandace and Jeanne made some deal alone to give Wintrust naming rights, you must not be aware of how businesses work. On one hand Wintrust also supports the Cubs and White Sox, Marquette and Northwestern, and Loyola Academy – so them seeking DePaul’s business fell in line with their other activities. On the other hand, there is no way that these two women would make this type of a decision on behalf of their respective institutions and THE CITY OF CHICAGO, the deal would need to have been considered by the President of DePaul, The President of Wintrust Bank, and the mayor.
ChangeAtDPU • Apr 18, 2020 at 10:25 am
Thanks for your insight, DPU Softball Alum.
“These women have gone on to become teachers, doctors, nurses, lawyers, financiers.”
You’re absolutely right! Some of these women HAVE gone onto become financiers! Most notably, his former player, Kandace Nied, who he quickly later married (kind of creepy & weird, if we’re being honest). Kandace went on to become one of Crain’s “Most Influential Women in Commerical Banking” She was congratulated as “recently adding several marquee Chicago names, including DePaul University.” [https://www.chicagobusiness.com/custom-media/most-influential/women-in-commercial-banking/klenti.html]. The DePaulia did a great expose on Kandace’s involvement with her employer, Wintrust, being awarded the DePaul on-campus banking deal, but I’m guessing you saw no foul play there either! [https://depauliaonline.com/33672/news/a-voice-for-the-voiceless/]
DPU Softball Alum • Apr 18, 2020 at 8:49 am
While I understand that this is a VERY serious accusation, it is just that, an accusation. You are all tearing down an entire community because Eugene coached hundreds of women. These women have gone on to become teachers, doctors, nurses, lawyers, financiers – so if he is recruiting such devastated young athletes, then he must be doing something right to help us all achieve such great things!
Michael Welch • Apr 17, 2020 at 5:23 pm
When is enough enough? I graduated from DePaul in 1982 and remember playing basketball at Alumni Hall and seeing half the Lenti family there back then. Some were students, Eugene was there in some capacity, and Mrs. Ponsetto was omipresent as well wishing she was Sandy Vrba (as most women did back then for obvious reasons). Clock forward 38 years and, to paraphrase a truly great Italian American no longer with us, “it’s like deja vu all over again”. Having hoped that the new president would clean the slop out of the kitchen, nothing happened. While it is far too early to comment on the merits of the Consiver suit, can we all just agree that it’s time to move on? This is not the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development where the GS 2 clerk can show up, fall asleep at his/her/its/other desk and, clock forward 40 years, retire with a pension and gold plated Hamilton wrist watch. News like this makes DePaul the laughingstock of major universites, Rick Pitino be damned.
Chris • Apr 17, 2020 at 5:03 am
Ponsetto has got to GO!!!! They need to clean house.
Susan Kiechel • Apr 17, 2020 at 12:37 am
Depaul not only failed to protect their students, they put all the students at another University (Auburn University) at risk. Auburn University hired this coach unaware of these accusations. Depaul’s directly responsible for any Auburn players that are hurt by this coach.
Auburn University just cleaned house of it’s softball head coach & assistant coach for Title IX violations. The assistant coach is band, for life, from the campus because of his Title IX violations. Now, only because of what DePaul hid, they’ve hired another coach with Title IX issues.
Sharon • Apr 16, 2020 at 10:55 pm
This is only the tip of the iceberg in the toxic athletic department. Employees are reprimanded for not “
Drinking the Kool-aid” when they question the decisions and motivation of the athletic director.
Grad assistants are verbally abused by Karen and Peter and overworked beyond the legal labor laws.
How did Statz get that job when she was part of
The culture in Athletics?
What happened to Melvyn in the middle of the basketball season a few years ago?
What happened to the golf coach? The tennis coach?
Where do the athletes turn for help?
Desperate people
Do desperate things. It’s always the coverups that are worse
Than the actual crime. But in this case, the damage is widespread-the student athletes, a woman’s business and reputation-all the whole, all of the Lentis continue to get their high salaries and pensions and names on committees for their gigantic egos.
This is sickening. They have gone too far.