Fayetteville school superintendent Matthew Wendt issued a statement yesterday denying the sexual harassment allegations made against him, the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports:
Wendt was informed of the sexual harassment claim through the employee’s lawyer Suzanne Clark on March 14, according to a statement from Wendt’s attorney, Elizabeth Robben Murray at the law firm Friday, Eldredge & Clark.
“Further, since March 14, I have fully cooperated with the school district’s general counsel who is conducting the district’s investigation into these allegations,” Wendt said. “I have and will continue to make myself available to the school district to answer questions concerning the allegations.”
Wendt gave no further comment regarding the complaint. Neither Clark nor the district provided a copy of the complaint.
According to an attorney representing the woman, a district staffer, who lodged the complaint, Wendt made unwanted sexual advances and she experienced a hostile work environment. The allegations include stalking her home and threatening to withhold a raise if she did not have sex with him.
The district has launched an investigation into the complaint. Wendt continues to perform his duties as superintendent while that investigation is ongoing (the district has granted leave with pay to two employees who requested it once the investigation began).