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Idaho State Board Of Education Fires Rob Spear

University of Idaho

University of Idaho Athletic Director Rob Spear has been fired. Following a lengthy investigation that found Spear failed to properly report sexual assault allegations, the Idaho State Board of Education unanimously moved Thursday morning to fire the athletic director.

“After considering this information and what’s in the university’s best interests – and its students’ best interests – I move to terminate for convenience, pursuant to Dr. Spear’s employment agreement with the university,” said board member Emma Atchley.

"The investigators concluded that the university failed to provide proper notice and education to the university community of significant changes to its policies regarding sexual misconduct," she said.

No board member commented on the move during the meeting.

Spear was placed on paid leave in April after the allegations came to light in a blog post written by Spear’s accuser, a former diver.

The report detailed how University of Idaho failed to train its employees on how to properly report incidents of sexual assault. It made clear that Spear should shoulder some of the blame.

In a statement, University of Idaho spokesperson Jodi Walker said state board members made a "difficult decision." 

"University leadership respects this decision and will work closely with the board and, with the support of our university community, will continue to move our great institute in forward in a positive and productive way."

Walker says Pete Isakson will continue to serve as interim athletic director for the forseeable future.

Follow James Dawson on Twitter @RadioDawson for more local news.

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I cover politics and a bit of everything else for Boise State Public Radio. Outside of public meetings, you can find me fly fishing, making cool things out of leather or watching the Seattle Mariners' latest rebuilding season. If you have a tip, please get in touch!

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