Administrator sent sexually explicit messages to Wash. U. students

| Senior Editor

Former Washington University administrator David Stetter used a social media app to send sexually explicit texts and photos to multiple students while employed by the University, Student Life confirmed today.

Stetter, who vacated his position of assistant director of fraternity and sorority life on June 27, sent texts over the messaging app Grindr, including one message asking a student to send him explicit pictures. In multiple exchanges with different students, Stetter acknowledged that he worked at the University and knew they were Washington University students, asking one “you in a frat @ wash u?”

At least one of the students involved reported the exchanges with Stetter to Title IX Director Jessica Kennedy by mid-June. Kennedy replied to the student, acknowledging the report and writing “Please don’t hesitate, though, to reach out to Kim [Webb, director of the Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Center] or me for support if you need it.”

It is unclear at this time if the messages or Title IX report played a role in Stetter leaving the University.

One of the students who Stetter messaged spoke to Student Life on the condition of anonymity, producing evidence of messages sent from Stetter to that student as well as to another student.

Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs Jill Friedman and Associate Vice Chancellor for Students and Dean of Students Rob Wild both declined to comment for this story, citing University policy of not commenting on personnel decisions. Friedman did want to reinforce though that “the University does not condone sexual harassment of any kind.”

Kennedy could not immediately be reached for comment.

Stetter also declined to comment.

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