News

Barrows returns after leave; early leak uncovered in release of Steingass investigation

Former Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Paul Barrows returned to the University of Wisconsin after a highly scrutinized leave of absence Monday. Barrows' return comes just four days after UW System President Kevin Reilly announced his decision that there were not grounds to fire Barrows based on attorney Susan Steingass' internal investigative report.

Meanwhile, the Badger Herald has learned that a University of Wisconsin employee or a person listed in the report leaked a copy of the document to multiple outlets prior to its official release. The leak undermined a carefully prearranged plan for dispersal of the report by UW Communications Sep. 22.

If the source of the leak was an unauthorized employee, that individual would likely be subjected to a university investigation and possible dismissal, a source within the university told the Badger Herald.

As of press time, the Badger Herald was not able to confirm the source of the leak.

UW political science professor Howard Schweber, who said he has not read the report, agreed the source of the leak could be liable.

"If I assume that the document in question names the parties involved and I assume that the document also … includes reports of confidential investigations or the content of complaints that were made confidentially, then there could indeed be [criminal] liability in the act of leaking it," Schweber said.

The report does appear to meet the assumptions Schweber made when commenting on the criminal liability. Additionally, Schweber said personal privacy is not the only issue potentially involved in the leak.

"I'm sure that the release of this report violates university guidelines or bylaws," he said.

Barrows' First Day

Barrows' first order of business Monday was a 9 a.m. meeting with Provost Peter Spear, presumably to address Barrow's responsibilities in his new "backup" position as assistant to Spear's office.

"I'm sure it went just fine," Lester Pines, Barrows' attorney, said. "I don't tell anybody what my clients have told me, but knowing Paul and knowing Peter Spear, I'm sure it went fine."

Pines said he does not know what Barrows' new job responsibilities will entail, but said Barrows is "very happy to be back at work," although Pines said his client is "not happy with what has transpired."

Particularly disconcerting to Barrows, Pines said, is the pay cut Barrows has taken from a $191,794 salary as vice chancellor to the $72,881 he now makes in his backup position.

"He's not happy with his salary, these are issues which are still in dispute with the university," Pines said. "Paul took a [$118,913] pay cut. That speaks for itself."

According to Pines, Barrows is very dedicated to UW, but said his client will continue to search for a new job which places him closer to his previous salary, whether or not it is in Wisconsin.

Associate Vice Chancellor Bernice Durand said she and her colleagues in Bascom Hall were very happy to see Barrows back at work this morning.

When asked if it might be awkward working in the building while Barrows has a pending lawsuit against Chancellor John Wiley, Durand said the lawsuit would not be an issue.

"We don't talk about things that are happening outside of work," Durand said. "That's not something we would be discussing. It's not appropriate to."

Contacted at the beginning of his work day Monday morning, Barrows refused comment on his meeting with Spear or his pending lawsuit.

"You'll have to talk with Lester Pines and he'll let you know," Barrows said. "If he says I can talk to you, I'll talk to you."