To: University Community
From: President Ralph W. Kuncl
Date: July 7, 2020
Subject: Reinstatement of Coach Mike Maynard
Following my review of a confidential report by the fact-finding committee convened last month, I have made the decision to reinstate Mike Maynard to his position as Head Football Coach, effective immediately.
I recognize that the social media post associated with Maynard's U of R Twitter account on June 3 has stirred a wide range of emotions among our University community and beyond. I have received hundreds of long, detailed, and heartfelt messages about the value of Coach Maynard's mentorship from generations of players, as well as a dozen impassioned letters demanding Coach Maynard's immediate termination from persons who do not know him. In addition, thousands of people signed petitions immediately after the event and before facts were known, both as a statement of support for Coach Maynard (more than 3,100 signatures) and as a call in opposition (more than 1,400 signatures).
The review of facts has shown the nine-word inadvertent tweet was not about race or athletics or violence. It was an ironic post that was a mistake, with no evidence whatsoever of hostile or unjust intentions and no abuse of University systems or values.
While evaluating any specific personnel action, it is essential that we respect due process and fundamental fairness, and formulate a measured response in full consideration of the facts, motivation, and context of any incident; that is how each one of us would want and expect to be treated. In this case, the accidental nature of the post on the U of R account, the lack of any intent to cause any harm, and Coach Maynard's 32 years of highly distinguished faculty and coaching service to the University all weighed heavily in my decision-making.
As we move forward, let's join together in honoring each other's humanity, respecting each other's strengths, and working together to grow into the people we want to become.