SSCC women's volleyball coach reassigned following allegations of sexual harassment

The Southern State Community College women's volleyball coach has been reassigned while the college investigates allegations of sexual harassment against the coach. 

Kris Cross, SSCC's Director of Public Relations, said, "There were allegations against the volleyball Coach Bruce Davis. They were brought to the attention of the administration on Oct. 5. At that time, he was immediately removed from any activities with the team." 

Davis has been the volleyball coach since 2007.

Cross said that Davis is a part-time employee of the college, and has a seasonal contract with SSCC. Like all of the college's coaches, he must reapply for the position each year.

"Preliminary results of the investigation, and a recommendation from the Ohio Attorney General's Office (SSCC's legal counsel), led to our decision that he would be reassigned duties until the end of his contract. Those duties do not include contact with the team or assistant coach," Cross said.

Cross said that in the interest of protecting the identities of the alleged victims she would not say if the allegations came from a member of the team. 

"The investigation is ongoing," Cross said. "There was a meeting last night, and they had practice last night, and the volleyball team and assistant coach had an opportunity, and will continue to have opportunities, to offer comments to the athletic director (Adam Holbrook), the Vice President of Student Affairs (James Bland) and the Title 9 coordinator."

This is the first allegation against the coach in the four years he has been with the college, Cross said. 

Local law enforcement is not a part of the investigation, according to Cross. 

"At the conclusion of the investigation, the college will make a final decision regarding the allegations and take appropriate corrective measures," Cross said. "If the complainant is not satisfied with the determination, they will have the opportunity to suggest an alternative course of action, and at that point the president (Dr. Kevin Boys) would appoint a panel to hear the case." 

During away games and overnight trips, Cross said that the coaches and assistant coaches "have the responsibility of keeping our teams safe." However, "rooming and boarding is separate, and the assistant coach (Nicole Melson) is female and she does travel with the team, as well." 

The women's volleyball team has a record of 4-12 this season. 

"Our number-one priority is the safety of our students," Cross said. "We also have an obligation to provide due process to our students and our employees."

The Highland County Press was unable to make contact with Davis for comment. Davis is also the director of Shaffer Park in Hillsboro.