This message includes information regarding sexual assault and interpersonal violence. Upon reading this message, if you are in need of supportive care, please reach out to the Survivor Advocacy & Resource Center (541-737-2030) or Counseling & Psychological Services (541-737-2131).
April 21, 2022
Dear OSU Community Members,
I write to share that a Benton County Circuit Court judge ruled today that Brett Tyler, a former Oregon State University professor, will be extradited to the state of Virginia for trial on very serious charges of sexual misconduct against two minor children from 2005 to 2009 while he was living in Virginia.
As part of the hearing, we learned the extent of the charges against Mr. Tyler. I am deeply saddened for everyone impacted by these reported offenses, as well as for all in our community impacted by interpersonal violence and reports of violence against others. As an institution, OSU unequivocally condemns any form of sexual misconduct, child abuse and sexual violence.
Tyler was hired by OSU in late December 2011 as a professor in the College of Agricultural Sciences and until last fall served as the director of OSU’s Center for Quantitative Life Sciences (CQLS). On Oct. 7, 2021, the university learned of his arrest by the U.S. Marshal Service based on charges filed in the Commonwealth of Virginia. When confronted by university officials, Tyler resigned immediately from his role as CQLS director and worked from home for a short time in his faculty role to complete requirements associated with his leaving grant-funded research. Tyler was denied access to campus and prohibited from in-person contact with any university community members. Upon learning of the charges against Tyler, the university offered support services to faculty, staff and students associated with Tyler or the colleges, programs and centers in which he had contact.
It is a priority of the university to support those impacted by misconduct or interpersonal violence. In the days ahead, members of the university community are invited to join support groups formed in response to this situation. Such sessions are available for employees by contacting Bonny Ray, director of benefits and HR Services, at [email protected] or by calling 541-737-2806. The Survivor Advocacy and Resource Center along with Counseling & Psychological Services will host a session for students next week. Details on the group session will be shared at https://studentaffairs.oregonstate.edu/trauma-informed and in OSU Today.
If survivors are in immediate need, please contact the Survivor Advocacy and Resource Center at [email protected] or by calling 541-737-2030. For support, graduate students may contact Ashleigh Anderson at [email protected] or by calling 541-737-4652.
Two group support sessions for employees have already been scheduled: one will be held today at noon and you may register in advance by using this link. A second session will be held Friday, April 22, at noon. Please register in advance using this link. Below is a listing of services the university provides OSU community members.
Please know Oregon State University will be steadfast in condemning violence, contributing to safety within the university community, and supporting survivors and anyone affected by any form of violence or misconduct.
Sincerely,
Becky Johnson
Interim President
UNIVERSITY RESOURCES:
- EOA -- Office of Equal Opportunity and Access
- SARC -- Survivor Advocacy and Resource Center
- SHS -- Student Health Services
- CAPS -- Counseling and Psychological Services
- OSU-Cascades Counseling
- OSU Public Safety Department: 541-737-3010 (911 imminent danger)
- OSU-Cascades Campus Safety: 541-322-3110 (911 imminent danger)
- OSU Beyond Benefits Employee Assistance Program
COMMUNITY RESOURCES:
- CARDV – Corvallis Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence
- Saving Grace – Central Oregon organization serving survivors of family violence and assault
- Corvallis Police Department at 541-766-6924 (911 imminent danger)
- Bend Police Department at 541-322-2960 (911 imminent danger)
- Newport Police Department at 541-574-0603 (911 imminent danger)