EIU Media Relations

EIU Statement

As a university community, Eastern Illinois University recognizes our former student and athlete Malorie Henderlong’s testimony as a reflection of her personal experiences and religious journey. The events she so bravely shared illustrate the difficulties sexual assault survivors often experience in their pathways to peace.

EIU values the health and safety of all of its students. Protecting our students is an utmost concern. Claims of sexual assault are taken very seriously at EIU and its Athletic Department.

Though the severity of this circumstance makes it difficult to understand, as students Ms. Henderlong and her alleged attacker have inherent privacy rights. For that reason, EIU is not able to comment on the matter other than it was brought to our attention on May 6, 2017.

Then and now, Eastern Illinois University has policies and procedures in place to address and investigate claims of sexual violence, including a non-biased complaint process and review. In her testimony, Ms. Henderlong indicates that she received counseling at EIU. When a student is seen by an EIU counselor, they are counseled of their right to report the incident to the University Police Department, Charleston Police Department, and/or EIU’s Office of Student Standards, and wholly supported should they make that decision. The counselor also encourages students to utilize the many resources on campus – including the Counseling Clinic itself – for which support could be received. These resources also assist in preventing, addressing, investigating, and identifying instances of sexual assault and abuse, along with providing individualized assistance and support.

By her testimony, Ms. Henderlong has found peace. We wish her continued success on that path and in all her future pursuits.