Harter to clarify clearing Cavagnaro of racism charges

Tuesday, June 16, 1998 | 2:32 a.m.

"I'll be making a statement Thursday," Harter said. "As for the particulars, I'd really rather not address it until Thursday."

Harter on May 5 had asked for and later received an independent investigation from the chancellor's office regarding anonymous charges that Athletic Director Charlie Cavagnaro may have used racist and sexist comments.

The results of the investigation have never been presented in written form and never made public.

Harter was made aware of the findings from assistant general counsel Kwasi Nyamekeye's investigation on May 27.

In a statement issued May 29, Harter said there was insufficient evidence to confirm that Cavagnaro made the alleged remarks. In that same statement, Harter put Cavagnaro on notice that if proof of further instances occurred, there would be consequences.

Cavagnaro offered a public apology in the statement, saying he was sorry if anything he may have said offended anyone.

That did not placate several community activists and leaders. They are demanding that Chancellor Richard Jarvis have Nyamekeye produce a written report and that Harter make the findings public.

The inquiry has been classified as a personnel matter by Harter and Jarvis, and several of the regents have said they cannot interfere in personnel decisions.

Several of the activists are making the trip to Reno Thursday to address the regents. They include Nevada State Assemblyman Wendell Williams, D-Las Vegas, the Rev. James Rogers of the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and Gary Peck, head of the local chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union.