Stephen M. Sheppard, a law professor and former dean at St. Mary’s University School of Law, has been reinstated after allegations of sexual assault by a law student were found to be “not credible” by an internal Title IX investigation, according to statements from Sheppard’s counsel. These allegations led to an initial hearing on August 24 and August 25 which resulted in Sheppard’s exoneration. Upon appeal, the exoneration was upheld on September 21.
As reported by the San Antonio Express-News, Sheppard, 60, has thus been allowed to return to his position at the university. This development underscores the critical role of due process in cases involving such serious allegations and invites broader conversation about the policies in place to protect both the accused and the victims in these situations.
For more details on the case, read the initial reporting here.