UT president says school thriving despite legal troubles

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – University of Tennessee President Joe DiPietro pushed back against recent criticisms of the school, telling school supporters that “the long arm of the government” is reaching further and further into university matters.

DiPietro made his case Tuesday at St. Thomas West Hospital in the school’s first-ever live state of the university address. He said the school is thriving and is stronger in many ways than even a decade ago.

The address comes at a time when the school is facing challenges on a number of fronts, including a federal lawsuit filed against it last week that accused UT of fostering a culture that enables student athletes to commit sexual assault.

School officials have adamantly denied the suit’s allegations.

DiPietro defended the school’s efforts at fostering diversity.