University of Wisconsin–Madison employee Tori Richardson is being sued because of acts allegedly committed while carrying out the duties of his job. Richardson is an assistant dean in student academic affairs in the College of Letters and Science; his primary job duty is to advise students. While the university is not a party to this lawsuit, the law provides that the state will defend this type of claim against an employee. The university was made aware of some of these allegations last year. An outside investigator conducted a thorough investigation into the allegations against Richardson. The investigation found no evidence that Richardson shared student records inappropriately. However, it was determined that while his actions were within his job duties, Richardson's conduct was not in line with our expectations for employees. As a result of not meeting the university's professional standards, Richardson received a 30-day, unpaid suspension. Richardson has continued to work with students but has been under extra supervision. Extra training on the topic will be added to the unit, and the general issue has been discussed with the campus Director of Undergraduate Advising. Because the allegations pertain to Richardson's conduct in his role as a state employee, he will be defended in the case by the state Department of Justice. The university will have no further comment on this matter at this time.