USI to host IndyStar reporters who uncovered USA Gymnastics sex abuse scandal

The University of Southern Indiana Department of Communications and College of Liberal Arts are hosting a moderated Q&A panel followed by an open Q&A session featuring investigative reporters Marisa Kwiatkowski and Tim Evans, the IndyStar reporters who exposed the USA Gymnastics sex abuse scandal, as guests for the 2022 Liberal Arts Distinguished Scholar Series. The event will take place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, February 23 in Carter Hall, located in University Center West on the USI campus. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the USI community and public are invited to attend. The event will also be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person on the USI Carter Hall YouTube channel. 

During the panel discussion, Kwiatkowski and Evans will discuss the USA Gymnastics' sexual abuse scandal, including how they exposed sexual abuse by Larry Nassar, former U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Team Doctor, and USA Gymnastics' negligence in failing to protect its gymnasts from a serial sexual predator. Through their investigations, Kwiatkowski and her IndyStar colleagues, Evans and Mark Alesia, IndyStar Investigative/Enterprise Reporter, revealed not only had Nassar been accused of serial sexual misconduct, but USA Gymnastics had suppressed sexual abuse accusations from young women on the USA Gymnastics team for decades. 

"Tim and I are looking forward to hearing audience questions and providing insight," Kwiatkowski says. "This conversation is about more than journalism-it's about community. It's about organizations protecting their individuals and holding themselves to particular standards." 

"I am thrilled that Marisa and Tim have agreed to share their experiences with USI and the Evansville community," Dr. Jane Weatherred, Assistant Professor of Advertising and Public Relations and 2022 Liberal Arts Distinguished Scholar Series Moderator, says. "It's a very important topic relevant to so many fields of study here at USI. It's an Indiana-based story, a national story and a global story about what kind of positive impact investigative journalism can have on our society." 

Kwiatkowski initially broke the story in August 2016 when she published "Out of Balance," a story about USA Gymnastics' policy of not reporting sexual abuse allegations against coaches. Within days, two women contacted the then-IndyStar reporter who published their account of abuse. Subsequently, another 150 people came forward with additional claims that they, too, had been abused in the late 1990s and early 2000s by Nassar. The reporting by Kwiatkowski, Evans and Alesia instigated an investigation that paved the way for charges against Nassar, which ended with his conviction and an additional lawsuit against USA Gymnastics, headquartered in Indianapolis. 

"This story is important for two reasons," Evans says. "One, it's important for students to understand the role of journalism and its ability to bring awareness to society. Two, because of the fact this story has to do with sexual abuse, it shows how journalism can help victims find healing and justice."  

In December 2021, after five years in court, the Nassar abuse survivors reached a $380 million dollar settlement with USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee. More than 500 of Nassar's sexual abuse victims will be compensated, including Olympic gold medalists Simone Biles, Aly Raisman and McKayla Maroney. 

"This journey is an amazing story. It illustrates the power of journalism, and the important function journalists have as watchdogs working in the public's interest," Dr. Leigh Anne Howard, Chair of the USI Communications Department, says "Their perseverance reminds us that research and hard work can reveal the truths needed for a more just society." 

Masks are required to attend and in all buildings on the USI campus, and physical distancing guidelines will be in place at the event. Carter Hall can seat 300 with physical distancing guidelines in place and guests will be seated on a first come, first served basis.  

For more information about the event and speakers, visit the Distinguished Scholars webpage or contact Weatherred at jweatherre@usi.edu. 

Each spring, the College of Liberal Arts engages a speaker for the Distinguished Scholars presentation aimed at drawing attention to one or more of the disciplines within the liberal arts, to appeal to the general public and to faculty and students by illustrating high intellectual achievement. Programs are of general humanistic appeal with interdisciplinary topics. The speaker is asked to make one public presentation and one presentation to students.