Oakland U. leader addresses reports about ex-coach

ROCHESTER, Mich. -- Oakland University's interim president said the school is committed to diversity following reports that former basketball coach Beckie Francis subjected players to religious pressure.

Betty Youngblood on Wednesday released a statement addressed to the university community, The Oakland Press of Pontiac reported (http://bit.ly/12lAyJB ).

"I want to assure you that protecting the freedom of religious, cultural, political and other forms of expression has been and always will be a high priority at Oakland," the statement said. "At the same time, we hold that freedom from the imposition of others' views is equally crucial.

"As soon as allegations of religious discrimination came to light, the university acted swiftly to investigate. The university did not tolerate such conduct and will not tolerate such conduct moving forward."

Earlier this month, the Detroit Free Press quoted former players who said Francis was overbearing and preoccupied with their weights.

Francis was fired last month, the same day her husband, Gary Russi, announced his retirement as president of the 19,000-student suburban Detroit school. The school said at the time that she was was fired for behavior in April that led to an internal review, but didn't provide details.

Francis has said she's focused on the future and wishes the best for Oakland University, but hasn't commented on the allegations.

The statement from Youngblood didn't address the allegation about players' weights, and focused instead on issues of diversity.

"As a campus community, we will continue to celebrate cultural diversity, inclusion, tolerance and understanding, as well as encourage the expression of all views within the context of appropriate times, places and manner," the statement said. "We will honor every individual's right to free expression and freedom from imposed expression without fear of reprisal, ridicule or harm."

Source: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/07/25/3520884/oakland-u-leader-addresses-reports.html

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