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A view of the Boston College campus on March 31, 2020 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.
CNN –
Boston College has suspended its men’s and women’s swimming and diving programs indefinitely because of hazing, the school announced Wednesday.
According to the school, university administrators determined that hazing had occurred as part of the program and “consistent with university policy, the matter will be investigated by the Office of the Dean of Students and determined fairly and impartially through the student conduct process.”
The Boston College Eagles were scheduled to open the season on October 7th against George Washington University.
“The university does not and will not tolerate harassment in any form. During the suspension, all swimming and diving athletes will continue to have access to academic and medical resources available to all Boston College student-athletes,” the school added.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) defines hazing as “any act committed against anyone joining, becoming a member, or maintaining membership of an organization that is humiliating, intimidating, degrading, or endangers the health and safety of the person.”
“Hazing involves active or passive participation in such acts and occurs regardless of willingness to participate in the activities.” Hazing creates an environment/climate in which dignity and respect are lacking.”
Both the men’s and women’s teams placed last out of twelve teams at the 2023 Atlantic Coast Conference Championships.
The suspension comes as part of a crackdown on bullying in college sports.
In July, Northwestern University fired its football program’s head coach, Pat Fitzgerald, after allegations of hazing surfaced, leaving the university facing multiple lawsuits.
An independent investigation commissioned by Northwestern before Fitzgerald’s firing found evidence of ongoing hazing that included “forced participation, nudity and sexualized acts of a degrading nature,” university President Michael Schill said in a July letter.
Although the investigation found no “credible evidence” that Fitzgerald was aware of the alleged hazing, Schill said the head coach was ultimately responsible for the team’s culture. Fitzgerald has denied any knowledge of hazing in the program.
In August, Northwestern announced that former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch would lead an independent review of the athletics department’s culture and accountability mechanisms following hazing claims.