University declines to make a statement

February 13, 2015

OSWEGO, N.Y. – The university refuses to make a statement in the ongoing criminal investigation of the alleged rape committed by Abhay Pant of Hart Hall on Feb. 13.

Pant, a SUNY Oswego student from New Delhi, India, was arrested by University Police for first-degree rape in the early morning of that day.

According to a statement made to The Oswegonian by Director of Public Affairs Julie Blissert, “Pant allegedly entered the room of another resident and sexually assaulted the victim in the early morning hours of Friday.”

According to Blissert’s statement to The Oswegonian, “No email was sent to the student body notifying them of the arrest or the second incident. This follows school policy.”

While nothing was sent out about this incident, on Sept. 8, SUNY Oswego President Deborah Stanley did send out an email to the students of the university condemning rape and sexual assault.

“Our college has zero tolerance for sexual assault,” Stanley said. “We know that colleges, including SUNY Oswego, are not immune from this vicious crime, but we are committed to ensuring that our students are safe and that the campus is a welcoming and nurturing place where all can pursue an education,” Stanley wrote.  “Sexual assault is any unwanted sexual contact.  We take immediate and determined action when we learn of any violation of this nature. We investigate all reports, whether or not a formal complaint has been filed. Any person or any organization found culpable in a sexual assault will not remain a member of our college community.”

The SUNY Oswego University Police declined when asked to provide a statement and instead suggested trying the Office of Public Affairs.

The Office of Public Affairs also refused to provide a statement, stating that they do not speak on open criminal cases.

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