WHO: The University of Southern Indiana Department of Communications and College of Liberal Arts are hosting investigative reporters Marisa Kwiatkowski and Tim Evans, IndyStar reporters who exposed the USA Gymnastics sex abuse scandal, for a press conference and as guests for the 2022 Liberal Arts Distinguished Scholar Series. The USI community and public are invited to attend the 6 p.m. public event.
WHAT: A press conference at 10 a.m. Wednesday, February 23 with Kwiatkowski and Evans will give the media the opportunity to ask questions regarding the evening event, their investigations and coverage of the story, and more.
During a moderated Q&A panel beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday, February 23 hosted by Dr. Jane Weatherred, USI Assistant Professor of Advertising and Public Relations, Kwiatkowski and Evans will discuss the USA Gymnastics’ sexual abuse scandal, including how they exposed sexual abuse by Larry Nassar, former U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Team Doctor, and USA Gymnastics’ negligence in failing to protect its gymnasts from a serial sexual predator. Through their investigations, Kwiatkowski and her IndyStarcolleagues, Evans and Mark Alesia, former IndyStar Investigative/Enterprise Reporter, revealed not only had Nassar been accused of serial sexual misconduct, but USA Gymnastics had suppressed sexual abuse accusations from young women on the USA Gymnastics team for decades. Following the moderated Q&A panel, audience members will have the opportunity to ask Kwiatkowski and Evans questions.
WHEN: The press conference will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday, February 23.
The moderated Q&A panel will take place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, February 23.
WHERE: The press conference and moderated Q&A panel will be held in Carter Hall, located in University Center West on campus. A map of the USI campus, featuring Carter Hall, can be found at USI.edu/map.
MEDIA PARKING: Media parking is available in Lot I on the west side of Carter Hall. You can find marking on the USI.edu/map by toggling on “Parking†in the left menu.
*IndyStar reporters’ media availability is limited to the 10 a.m. press conference. Coverage of the 6 p.m. moderated Q&A panel is welcome, but IndyStar reporters will not be available for interviews pre-or post-event.
*A mult box will be available at the press conference and moderated Q&A panel for media to patch into the audio feed.Â
