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Letter: The U. deserves no credit for its handling of McCluskey’s murder

(Francisco Kjolseth | Tribune file photo) People gather for a memorial walk on the track where University of Utah student and track athlete Lauren McCluskey used to compete, as they remember her on the two-year anniversary of her murder on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020.

Christian Gardner and Harris Simmons' op-ed Wednesday patting themselves on the back and touting University of Utah president Ruth Watkins' handling of the Lauren McCluskey murder completely dismisses the fact that the university initially declined any fault and never admitted they failed Lauren for two years. The admission that her murder was preventable was because Lauren’s parents had to force the university to act and finally sue the university in order to get the apology and admission of negligence.

These guys glossing over the facts is yet another slap in the face to Lauren’s parents. I’m certainly glad the university has implemented positive changes in its police force and has agreed to spend $12 million toward an indoor track and center for violence prevention. It’s been a heartbreaking story turned to the better because of the love and dedication of Lauren’s parents in her memory.

Derick Bingman, Salt Lake City

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