Pocono News Section

ESU to Investigate Embattled Ex-Vice President

ESU to Investigate Embattled Ex-Vice President - Thursday, February 19, 2009 at 11:16PM EST

EAST STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY- Students are blasting East Stroudsburg University bosses in the aftermath of a civil lawsuit that accuses leaders of covering up reports of sexual misconduct. The civil suit filed last Friday focuses on ex-vice president Dr. Isaac Sanders. It claims he abused six young African American men during the course of his eight year run with the state-managed university. Sanders' attorney, Marshal Anders, did not return a message for comment. A university spokesman has refused comment saying he can't talk about pending litigation.
Attorney Sonny Murray filed the 40-page document on behalf of five former students and a current student. He claims the allegations are only the beginning. He called the matter a "scandal." It's been reported Monroe County District Attorney R. David Christine is probing the contents of the civil lawsuit. No one has been charged with a crime.

The lawsuit alleges Sanders showered students with gifts and scholarships. It claims he used his position at the university to coerce students into sexual encounters. If a student resisted, the suit alleges Sanders threatened and intimidated. During the course of the alleged abuse, the suit claims school leaders, including President Robert Dillman who is named in the suit, were made aware of Sander's purported improper behavior. It said the claims of abuse were quashed on three separate instances.

Students responding to news of the case said some of their classmates were pushing for administrators resignations. WBRE Eyewitness News knocked at Dillman's campus home. No one answered the door.