<p>University President John T. Casteen, III issued a statement yesterday responding to allegations that a Medical Center employee used a racial epithet during a conversation at a recent staff meeting, calling the usage "offensive" and "insulting."</p>
<p>Following reports of the alleged Nov. 10 comment, Medical Center CEO R. Edward Howell conducted interviews with the person's supervisor and the four other employees who were present during the remark to ensure a consistent interpretation of events, Casteen said.</p>