Holly Snyder is a proud graduate of Baylor University, class of 2001. But the Gardner, Kansas, woman filed a Title IX complaint against her alma mater.
Snyder said she kept following allegations that Baylor administrators were covering up reports of sexual assaults on campus and thought someone else file a complaint. When no one did, she decided to step up.
"I kept waiting for something to happen and it never did," said Snyder.
The Baylor grad said she loves her school, but she filed the complaint because she wants to see real change.
Baylor University President Ken Starr and football coach Art Briles were both fired. Athletic Director Ian McCaw resigned under pressure. There were reports that all three were covering up sexual assault allegations against 13 Baylor football players.
Even though they are no longer working at Baylor, Snyder said that's not enough. She wants a criminal investigation.
"Whatever system was in place didn't work and whatever safeguards were in place didn't happen, it's broken and it needs to be fixed, and from what I see on the outside, Baylor is not fixing it," said Snyder.
Briles issued the following statement Thursday:
Baylor Nation,
My heart goes out to the victims for the pain that they have endured. Sexual assault has no place on our campus or in our society. As a father of two daughters, a grandfather, and a husband, my prayers are with the victims of this type of abuse, wherever they are. After 38 years of coaching, I have certainly made mistakes and, in hindsight, I would have done certain things differently. I always strive to be a better coach, a better father and husband, and a better person.
Keep in mind, the complete scope of what happened here has not been disclosed and unfortunately at this time I am contractually obligated to remain silent on the matter. The report prepared by Pepper Hamilton, the law firm hired and paid for by Baylor’s Board of Regents, has not been shared with me directly, despite my full cooperation with the investigation. I can only assume that the report, which is not independent, supports the conclusions that the Board has already drawn. I hope to share with you what I was aware of as soon as I can so Baylor Nation can begin the healing process.
I have the utmost admiration for Baylor University, its community, and its important mission. I am truly grateful for having had the chance to coach hundreds of young student athletes at this University. I am deeply humbled for having had the opportunity to be a part of Baylor Nation.
The Title IX complaint she filed is being reviewed to determine if it has merit. If it has merit, the Department of Education will launch an investigation. Synder hopes that investigation will lead to a criminal investigation to determine if charges should be filed. She's hoping her actions will lead to policy changes at Baylor and other college campuses across the country so that sexual assault victims will always be heard.
"The people that are in charge of students can't ignore them, can't sweep it under the rug, it's important we have to protect our students," Synder concluded.
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Cynthia Newsome can be reached at Cynthia.Newsome@kshb.com.
