October 28th 2023.
Valdosta State University in Georgia recently concluded an investigation sparked by a viral video posted on Aug. 22 in which a coach can be heard telling a player, Asher Akridge, that his hair was too long to play baseball for the university. After a five-week investigation, it was determined the allegations against Coach Gulliams were inconsistent.
It was found, however, that the coach applied the team hair length policy not to every player, and certain students of various racial backgrounds were allowed to skirt the policy for months at a time. He was also in violation of other guidelines - the requirement to act as a good steward of VSU’s resources and information and the requirement to treat fellow employees, students, and the public with dignity and respect.
The Valdosta Daily Times reviewed the report and determined that at the time of the video, Asher had already cut his hair and it was in regulation. While Coach Gulliams' decision could have included other reasons, it was almost entirely about the hair length.
In response to the investigation, the university is reviewing the policy, extending an invitation to the affected student to return to the program, and requiring Gulliams to participate in leadership training focusing on interpersonal and multi-generational communication and conflict management. The university also released a statement once the investigation had reached its conclusion.
The statement read, “VSU is a special place for all students, faculty, staff, and alumni, and it was critical that this investigation be given the time and attention it deserved. VSU remains dedicated to maintaining a fair, respectful, and non-discriminatory environment for all, and that work will continue.”
The university's commitment to maintaining a respectful and non-discriminatory environment is reassuring and hopefully, they can continue to stay on this path and ensure that all students are treated with respect.
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