Audit: No bullying reports before death

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) - The University of Virginia said Wednesday that an audit of the Virginia Quarterly Review after the suicide of its managing editor has found that no specific accounts of bullying were reported before his death.

The audit also said that the school took "appropriate actions" in handling personnel issues surrounding the event.

U.Va. President Teresa Sullivan ordered the review after 52-year-old Kevin Morrissey fatally shot himself on July 30. Colleagues and relatives had alleged that Morrissey clashed with editor Ted Genoways, and that Morrissey had tried to contact university officials about the issues before his death.

The audit report said "no specific allegations of bullying or harassment" were reported before Morrissey's death but acknowledged that "it is sometimes difficult to define where the line gets crossed between a tough manager and an unreasonable one."

Genoways failed to follow several institutional procedures and had difficulties with certain employees, the report said, "but none ever seemed to rise to the level of a serious, ongoing concern." The report said Genoways should face unspecified "appropriate corrective action" and that VQR establish a clear chain of command.

Genoways' lawyer, Lloyd Snook, said in a written response to the audit report that "Ted -- to this day -- has never been told of any specific complaint that any of his staff has had."

A working phone number for Morrissey's sister, Maria Morrissey, could not be found. One of Morrissey's former colleagues did not immediately return an e-mail seeking comment.

The audit also said U.Va. also should improve how it handles employee complaints and strengthen policies on acceptable workplace conduct. Also, university employees should be "taught to recognize and report situations where they or their fellow employees may need help in dealing with a supervisor who is perceived as engaging in improper conduct of any type."

The report also said U.Va. is unable to release many details because of employee confidentiality issues.

Genoways has denied that his actions contributed to Morrissey's suicide.