WVU reassigns student radio station GM amid sexual harassment allegations
On Monday, West Virginia University announced that it had temporarily reassigned the student radio station’s general manager, who has been accused by station workers of sexual harassment, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Matthew Fouty is a 34-year-old university employee, who denied the accusations. Dean of Students Corey Farris said the university decided it was prudent to make the move while the Title IX investigation continued.
Mr. Fouty, hired by WVU in March 2015 would make himself a part of the morning music show and was notorious for making and encouraging sex jokes.
The allegations are that Fouty offered an on-air assessment about the anatomy of Mel Smith, a senior strategic communication major. She is the station’s news director, and sometimes was on the air with her boyfriend, part of U-92’s sports staff. Fouty would reportedly encourage them to discuss their sex life on air.
Kim Harrison, who is a university employee and former radio station general manager, will return as interim GM at WWVU-FM , also known as U-92.
The paper reached Fouty on Monday, who insisted the claims were false and added, “It shocks me how much hate people have in their hearts. I’m almost numb.”
He insists he never forced himself onto the morning show, but was invited by a previous DJ and said he didn’t make the comments about women’s anatomy. This story is likely far from over, but it’s worth keeping an eye on.
