UPDATE: Omar Dickenson has been found not guilty.
Hampton University released the following statement: In December, Mr. Omar Dickenson was accused of sexual battery by a female student. The University suspended him pending the outcome of an investigation into the matter. The Hampton University Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Committee could not find a preponderance of evidence to support the complainant's allegation of sexual misconduct against Mr. Dickenson. Additionally, the City of Hampton General District Court found Mr. Dickenson not guilty of the charge of sexual battery. As a result of the outcome of the two hearing bodies, Mr. Dickenson has been reinstated as Director of University Choirs, effective immediately.
Hampton, Va. - The Director of University Choirs at Hampton University has been charged with sexual battery after a student reported an incident that allegedly occurred in his office on November 13th.
According to police documents, a student reported that she was in Omar Dickenson's office discussing choir rehearsal. Dickenson reportedly asked the student for a hug and that was when he grabbed and smacked her rear end.
The student also says Dickenson made comments about what she was wearing.
Hampton University issued a statement on Monday regarding the incident. They say a faculty member has been charged with sexual misconduct and has been suspended pending an investigation, but they do not specify if that faculty member was Dickenson.
"A faculty member at Hampton University has been charged with sexual misconduct and has been suspended pending an investigation. Hampton University has had a Committee on Sexual Harassment and Misconduct for 35 years. For that period, that Committee has established a protocol for investigating and adjudicating matters of this nature. That protocol will be followed in this case. Hampton University has always had zero tolerance as it relates to sexual misconduct, and that stance will continue."
Dickenson is scheduled to appear in court on December 9th.
