Red Flag Warning
until MON 9:00 PM CDT, Pennington County, North Beltrami County, South Beltrami County, Norman County, West Otter Tail County, Red Lake County, Lake Of The Woods County, East Marshall County, West Polk County, Hubbard County, Roseau County, Mahnomen County, East Otter Tail County, North Clearwater County, East Polk County, South Clearwater County, West Becker County, Grant County, East Becker County, Wadena County, Kittson County, Wilkin County, Clay County, West Marshall County, Swift County, Watonwan County, Stearns County, Pope County, Hennepin County, Kanabec County, Freeborn County, Redwood County, Kandiyohi County, Sibley County, Benton County, Morrison County, Washington County, Mille Lacs County, Renville County, Sherburne County, Lac Qui Parle County, Isanti County, Waseca County, Chisago County, Goodhue County, Douglas County, Martin County, Brown County, Steele County, Nicollet County, Ramsey County, Scott County, Blue Earth County, McLeod County, Yellow Medicine County, Stevens County, Anoka County, Wright County, Faribault County, Rice County, Dakota County, Meeker County, Todd County, Le Sueur County, Northern Aitkin County, South Itasca County, Pine County, South Cass County, Koochiching County, Carlton/South St. Louis Counties, Central St. Louis County, North St. Louis County, Crow Wing County, North Itasca County, North Cass County, Northern Cook/Northern Lake Counties, South Aitkin County, Traverse County, Big Stone County, Lyon County, Lincoln County, Cottonwood County, Rock County, Murray County, Pipestone County, Jackson County, Nobles County, Dunn County, Barron County, Pierce County, Polk County, Douglas County, Washburn County, Burnett County
4

U of M investigates reported information leak in sexual harassment case

The University of Minnesota Board of Regents announced an investigation Thursday morning into the source of a leak allegedly containing confidential information about a sexual harassment case, according to a release. 

The announcement followed an emergency meeting during which all Regents and university employees who had knowledge of the case were asked to sign an affidavit stating they did not release information to a local television station--which said it received an email from a regent who requested anonymity.

The board is conducting a forensic investigation into the electronic records of anyone who had access to the information, officials said, and is encouraging the station to release its source--claiming that their actions release the station from its "apparent agreement of confidentiality" with the regent in question. 

“It is a great honor and responsibility to serve on the University of Minnesota’s Board of Regents,” Board
of Regents Chair Dean Johnson said. “We strive to uphold tremendous fiduciary responsibilities that require us always to act professionally and ethically, and to maintain privacy and other legal expectations. So, it is greatly disappointing that we are faced with the potential that a member of the University community may have betrayed the public’s trust. That’s why members of the Board believe strongly that we need to investigate any potential leaks of private and confidential information."

Officials did not confirm or deny the sexual harassment investigation was taking place.

University spokesperson Chuck Tombarge statement:

"The University takes very seriously any accusations made against any of our employees. However, as is the case in any private personnel matter, the University cannot discuss the details of the current situation.

"We have comprehensive human resource processes in place to investigate allegations fully and allow all parties involved to respond to investigation findings. We are committed to respecting the privacy of all involved
whenever employment matters are under consideration. Only when matters are concluded, and when permitted by law, can we provide additional information."