UPDATE: Sept. 12 at 2:30 p.m.
Following the news that University of Kentucky board fired Dr. Scott Stanley for alleged ethics and policy violations, Stanley released a statement denouncing the board's decision.
A press release from Keith Law Office reported that Stanley called the process "deeply flawed and fundamentally unfair." Further, the release detailed that Stanley denies the university's allegations and disputes the conclusions of both the UK Internal Audit and the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit report.
According to the release, Stanley said he was never granted access to the underlying evidence, data or witness notes despite repeated requests.
"I have devoted my career to science, integrity, and transparency," Stanley said. "Tenure exists to protect due process, yet that principle has been disregarded. I am considering all legal remedies to ensure fairness is upheld."
The controversy centers around Stanley's work in the horseracing industry. An email obtained through subpoena in his ongoing defamation lawsuit against Dr. Cecily Wood reveals communication between HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus and Nancy Cox, Dean at UK CAFE, the release reported.
In the email, HISA instructed the university that it "cannot possibly allow Dr. Stanley to work in any way, shape or form in the horseracing industry."
Stanley's legal team notes this directive was made before either the internal audit or the HIWU investigation were complete.
The professor added the reports "confuse speculation with proof" and has indicated he is exploring all legal options to challenge the tenure revocation.
Original Story:
The University of Kentucky has reportedly terminated a tenured faculty member for serious ethics violations and policy breaches related to misconduct at the institution's former Equine Analytical Chemistry Lab.
Scott Stanley, who directed the lab that provided drug testing for the equine industry, was fired following a year-long investigation that revealed he allegedly falsified test results and engaged in fraudulent billing practices.
A UK Internal Audit investigation found that Stanley allegedly reported a test result to the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit that was never actually performed, the university detailed. The audit also indicated other test results may have been compromised by Stanley's actions.
"Stanley exploited vulnerabilities in technology, governance and oversight," the audit concluded.
The investigation also found Stanley potentially engaged in business and employment relationships that constituted conflicts of interest, according to the university.
The university added that Stanley was found to have committed the following policy violations:
- Failure to perform duties: Misrepresentation: falsification of test results and fraudulent billing;
- Failure to perform duties and/or incompetence: Lack of internal controls (to prevent tampering and manipulation of data) and lack of oversight of EACL operations;
- Failure to perform duties and/or incompetence: Conflicts of interest/commitment and improper hiring practices.
The UK Board of Trustees voted to revoke Stanley's tenure and dismiss him from university employment during a special session on Sept. 11, according to the university. Stanley waived his right to a hearing before the board.
"At the University of Kentucky, we are committed to advancing Kentucky through research and service of the highest quality," said UK Board Chair Britt Brockman. "We must uphold the highest ethical standards and comply fully with university and industry regulations. Any violations of these policies are taken seriously and addressed to maintain the integrity of this work."
