Quintez Cephus reinstated to the University of Wisconsin [UPDATED]

On Monday morning at 10 a.m. CT, the University of Wisconsin released a statement announcing that former Wisconsin student and Badgers wide receiver, Quintez Cephus, had been reinstated to the university “effective immediately.”

Here is the statement in full:

UW–Madison has a responsibility to investigate allegations of sexual misconduct in a prompt and thorough manner, as directed by state and federal laws. The university applies its code of conduct impartially and consistently regardless of the identities of the individuals involved.

In the case of Quintez Cephus, this process functioned appropriately and in accordance with state and federal guidelines and proceeded based on the information available to UW–Madison at the time of the university’s investigation and hearing process.

UW–Madison obtained information following the criminal proceeding that was not provided to the university during the student conduct process. Chancellor Rebecca Blank conducted a review of this information and the petition for Quintez Cephus’ reinstatement as quickly as possible and in a complete and impartial manner.

As a result of this review, sanctions for Quintez Cephus have been reduced and his expulsion lifted. There were findings of responsibility of the student non-academic misconduct code that were upheld.

Mr. Cephus has been reinstated as a UW–Madison student, effective immediately.

“All three of the primary participants in this case are our students, and I know the past year has been painful for everyone involved,” said Blank. “My decision is based on the availability of substantial new information that wasn’t made available to us during the earlier process. I recognize that some will disagree with this decision.”

“To those in our community who have experienced sexual assault, I sincerely hope that there is nothing in this case that will deter you from coming forward for support,” she added. “Our university continues to be prepared to listen and respond.”

Cephus was found not guilty in court on August 2nd and made plans to reapply to school as soon as possible. After 10 days, Cephus and his legal team held a press conference demanding that the University allow Cephus back into school “immediately.” The press conference was attended by over a dozen current teammates who stood in support of Cephus.

There was also a strong social media campaign to #LetQTPlay, a hashtag posted by both current and former Badgers.

Coach Chryst was on record as saying that he would welcome Cephus back to the team if it was what he (Cephus) wanted to do.

UPDATE (12:23 pm CT):

UPDATE (4:05 p.m. CT):

We will have more on this developing story as news comes out.