Amidst a cloud of uncertainty and serious allegations, Lt. Col. Michael Kelvington, a senior officer in charge of Ohio State University’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), has been removed from his campus position following violations of a “stay away” order. This suspension unfolds against a broader backdrop of a Title IX investigation probing into potential sexual misconduct.
Kelvington, a seasoned military officer with a storied background, including 14 overseas deployments and multiple commendations such as the Bronze Star with Valor and two Purple Hearts, has been instructed to halt all interactions with cadets as the inquiry proceeds. According to Maj. Dan Lessard, a spokesperson for U.S. Army Cadet Command, Kelvington is “on a restricted work status away from cadets until the ongoing investigations are completed.”
While specifics of the allegations remain undisclosed, the gravity of the situation is underscored by the university’s prompt response. A statement by Ohio State spokesperson Chris Booker emphasizes the institution’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment and misconduct. “When misconduct is alleged, we respond quickly to offer support services where needed and investigate the allegations and hold individuals responsible when warranted,” Booker stated.
“We have taken steps within ROTC to create a safe and healthyenvironment and support any cadets in need of services. Lt. Col.Kelvington has been reassigned off campus pending an ongoinginvestigation. Federal Title lX regulations prevent us from commentingfurther about an ongoing investigation,”Booker said in a statement.
On May 29, the university sent the two aforementioned police reports aspart of the request, but stated that “copies of any complaints concerning[Kelvington’s] conduct” and “any internal investigation materials”were “exempt from disclosure pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 149.43(A)(1)(h) and 149.43(A)(2).
Title IX investigations are sensitive and complex, dealing with issues of sexual discrimination on college campuses, which can extend to harassment and assault. Federal regulations surrounding such investigations restrict the amount of information that can be divulged during the process.
Kelvington’s infraction is not the first of its kind to taint the ROTC program’s image. Earlier this year, another ROTC leader at California Polytechnic State University faced reprimand for an unrelated incident involving a hidden camera in a changing room, highlighting a concerning pattern of misconduct within the ROTC leadership ranks.
Relevant articles:
– Head of Ohio State Army ROTC Suspended, Under Investigation for Allegedly Violating ‘Stay Away’ Order, Military, 06/08/2024
– Ohio State’s Lt. Colonel Michael Kelvington violated campus stay away order twice, has been reassigned off campus as part of ongoing Title IX investigation, OSU – The Lantern, 06/06/2024
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