Letter to the community about the arrest of George Tyndall

Dear USC community,

Former student health center employee George Tyndall was arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department today. From the outset, the university cooperated fully with the LAPD’s and the District Attorney’s investigations, and we will continue to do so as this case progresses.

This situation has been difficult for so many, but I hope today’s events will be another step toward healing for former patients and for our entire community.

Every day, the university is working to prevent all forms of misconduct on our campuses and to ensure that our policies and procedures prioritize respect for our students, faculty, and staff.

Significant changes have been made at the Engemann Student Health Center and across the university overall. We have new protocols to ensure any complaints are investigated and resolved by appropriate university officials and authorities. We have hired female, board-certified physicians, and we have introduced groundbreaking patient education materials about sensitive examinations, just to name a few examples. A detailed list of changes completed and underway is available at: https://change.usc.edu/change-progress-dashboard-grid/.

While the Tyndall case will continue for quite some time, it will not distract the university’s leadership from continuing to implement impactful campus reforms that promote the safety and well-being of all those whom USC serves.

As I prepare to resume my role on the Board of Trustees, I do so with complete confidence that under Dr. Folt’s leadership, restoring trust and healing our community will remain among our university’s highest priorities.

Sincerely,

Wanda M. Austin
Interim President