The University of Cincinnati has reached an agreement with former police officer Ray Tensing, ending the grievance he filed with the police union over his firing in 2015.Under the terms of the agreement, UC will pay Tensing $244,230 in back pay and $100,000 for attorneys' fees. For his part, Tensing agreed to resign and not apply for any other position with UC, and UC accepted his resignation.
Tensing issued this statement through the police union:
"I'm satisfied with the settlement agreement with the University of Cincinnati. This case has caused a lot of strife in the community and I believe the settlement will allow for healing to continue; it certainly will do that for me after two difficult trials.
I want to thank those who stood with me throughout this process. The Fraternal Order of Police Ohio Labor Council, which paid for my legal defense, played a crucial role. My attorney Stew Mathews and expert witness Jim Scanlon helped ensure that I received a fair trial – twice."
UC President Neville Pinto notified university students and staff of the agreement Thursday afternoon, writing:
"I realize this agreement will be difficult for our community. I am nevertheless hopeful that we can focus on supporting each other as members of the same Bearcat family — even, perhaps especially, if we don't agree. That culture of care is what our community not only needs but also deserves. It starts with each of us."
The university fired Tensing July 29, 2015, after he shot and killed Sam DuBose during an off-campus traffic stop. Hamilton County twice tried Tensing on murder and voluntary manslaughter charges. Both trials ended in hung juries and the county declined to try the case a third time.
The U.S. Attorney's office is investigating whether federal charges should be brought for civil rights violations.
Tensing has always maintained he fired his service weapon because he feared for his life. He filed a grievance through the Fraternal Order of Police arguing his firing was unlawful and he wasn't given due process, chiefly a pre-disciplinary hearing, required under his contract. He also asked for his job back.
You can read the full agreement below:
UC Tensing separation agreement by WVXU News on Scribd
