Washburn University President Jerry Farley issued a formal apology
to the Washburn and Topeka communities on Wednesday concerning a letter written by him.

Some Washburn University regents criticized Farley over a letter asking a judge to give a sex offender probation instead of prison. Farley sent the letter on May 19 to a Wabaunsee County district judge on behalf of Richard Blevins, a former state arson investigator. Blevins' wife is a secretary to Farley. Blevins pleaded no contest to aggravated indecent solicitation of a child younger than 14

Here is the statement released Wednesday afternoon:

To the Entire Washburn Community:

There has recently been much public discussion regarding a letter I
wrote in my effort to support a long serving Washburn employee. My
actions were intended to reflect compassion, kindness and friendship for the employee and her family. In doing so, I erred in not doing what we ask of all, to separate our personal from our public and professional roles. I should not have used University stationery or my title in my letter to the court.

For that, I apologize to you, my colleagues, the Washburn Board of
Regents and the entire Washburn and Topeka communities.

Jerry B. Farley