A former high-ranking official at Texas Southern University's Thurgood Marshall School of Law has been sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to charges including felony theft and sexual performance by a minor. Edward Wayne Rene, the university's former dean of admissions, also faces an order to pay $177,000 in restitution to the university, as reported by the Houston Chronicle.
With Rene at the epicenter, 2020 marked the year when the law school was embroiled in scandal, a dispute that cost Rene his job and severance pay for then-university President Austin Lane. After an investigation by the FBI alongside Harris and Fort Bend County District Attorney's Offices, it was revealed that Rene had inflated financial awards to pocket excess scholarship funds. Following Rene's termination, President Lane was also fired under the cloud of failing to report the dishonest activities within the admissions process, although later he was found to be not at fault according to a settlement, according to Houston Chronicle.
The internal operations at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law of Texas Southern University were cast in a harsh light as reports emerged in 2020 that not all students may have met the qualifications for admission. The university later released a statement, cited by Click2Houston, asserting its resolve to maintain high standards and ensure that such actions by an individual do not tarnish the school's reputation. "This was the misconduct of one individual and does not reflect the values, culture, or commitment of the dedicated faculty, staff, and leadership at Texas Southern University," reads the statement.
In a narrative that unfolded over several years, prosecutors charged Rene with grand theft for siphoning scholarship money meant for two students at the law school, and a separate indecent charge. As published by the Houston Chronicle, little detail has emerged concerning the latter charge, with officials stating that it did not involve a TSU-connected minor, although the offense transpired while Rene was an employee. However, answers remain scarce as Rene's defense team has yet to comment.
