LETTER BY RICHARD $8. WILLIS Dear Regents: Asa Baylor alumnus, donor, former Regent and Board Chairman, I cannot overstate how shocked and offended I am by an allegation that I purportedly used racist, disparaging and anti-Semitic language at a private dinner four years ago in Queretaro, Mexico. I never said any of those words. “The alleged comments are so reprehensible that it absolutely sickens me to think that anyone would go to such Iengths to maliciously smear me or anyone else for having used them. Rev, Ramiro Petia, Pastor of Christ the King Baptist Chusch in Waco, was with me the entire evening. He stated under oath in 2 deposition that he never heard me make these despicable comments on the evening in question or at any other time. So why has my accuser, a disgruntied local businessman, initiated this campaign to attack my character? I can think of a number of reasons, On several occasions this businessman, Me. Greg Klepper, tried to get me to invest in his company. I analyzed the business and concluded that, for me, it was not a good investment. At the same time the Board of Directors for the business asked my advice regarding Mr. Klepper. I told them it was my opinion that he should not continue to be involved in the business. ‘While I was Chairman of the Baylor University Board of Regents, Ms. Klepper tried 10 use me to get business from the University. He was disappointed that I would not take a role in determining vendor relationships. He also was also upset that T would not become ditectly involved to help resolve a dispute he had with the general contractor managing the construction of McLane Stadium - a dispute he lost. ‘Also during my tenure as Chairman, the Board of Regents oversaw an investigation into the handling of alleged sexual assaults of Baylor students. I am sorry that the Baylor family has had to deal with this issue for the last three years. I understand people may come to different conclusions than the Board did. I respect that. However, a small group of alumni has been trying to discredit the Board of Regents - in particular myself as former chairman and some current and former boatd leaders ~ in any way they can. In fac, they are the ones behind Mr. Klepper speaking out.“These critics have sunk to a new low. This group believes it can rewrite history and crase the stories of sexual assault victims ata time when these women should be our _greatest concen. Finally, lt me be exceedingly clear: nvr nocd any ofthe rprabenibh word but Mr Ripper claims ! did. Nad T woulde’t say them — not in a casual conversation, not in the -psivacy of my home, notin anger, not ever. ‘will continu: to cooperate with Baylor's investigation into this matter and look forward to sezing my name cleared of these false allegations. Sincerely, Richaad 8. Willis