Update: the athletics department has altered its original statement.
The Heights, a independent Boston College student-run news outlet, is reporting that the school’s Office of the Dean of Students has informed student-athletes that it will conduct its own investigation into allegations of hazing within the swimming & diving team.
“The statement that was issued by Athletics was pertaining to the Swim and Dive Team’s status with the athletic department, and does not reflect the status of the Student Conduct Process,” the letter reads. “The Office of the Dean of Students is committed to conducting a fair, thorough, and impartial investigation into the allegations and has in no way made any determination about whether or not any policy violations have occurred.”
“We hope that you can find some clarity in this message and know that we care for you,” the letter reads, while offering support for members of the team and recognizing that they are going through a difficult time.
Defenders of the program have painted the letter as a rebuke to the athletic department’s statement that reads that: “University administrators determined that hazing had occurred within the program.” A revised version of the statement now says that the swim program’s activities have been suspended following “credible reports of hazing.”
“Based on the information known at this time, Athletics has determined a program suspension is warranted, pending a full investigation by the University,” BC said in its revised statement on Thursday. “Consistent with University policy, the matter will be investigated by the Office of the Dean of Students and adjudicated fairly and impartially through the student conduct process. Once the investigation and adjudication process is complete, Athletics will reassess the status of the teams.”
The letter does, however, differentiate between the student conduct process and the athletic department’s decision to suspend the program.
The university’s hazing policy, which can be seen here, does not list specific university sanctions available; however, Massachusetts law ascribes a fine of up to $3,000 and imprisonment for up to a year for “principal organizers or participants” in acts of hazing.
Allegations & Rumors
A number of rumors about the nature of the hazing allegations have been floating around, and while SwimSwam has been working diligently to confirm and corroborate many of those rumors, we have so far been unable to do so, with the exception of one.
Three individuals close to the team have told SwimSwam that individuals were forced to drink until they vomited, and then wear that vomit tied in a bag around their necks. Those same sources told SwimSwam that not all members of the team participated in the activities.
Can confirm none of the alleged activities actually happened.
BU or BC a stronger school academically?
I went to BU – graduated in 89. The programs are VERY different. BU has a stronger Communications school, one of the best in the country. BU is a very big school with a student population drawn from – probably – a larger global footprint than BC. Both are strong hockey schools. All depends on what you’re looking for in a school (specific academic programs etc).
Isn’t it ironic that yet another college with such high academic standards is now dealing with these issues? It just goes to show that academic success does not equate to common sense or admirable behavior. How stupid are those that did this, to think it was ok or funny, and how devasting for those swimmers who had nothing to do with this and will now pay the price? In a time when colleges are looking to cut costs and especially swim & dive programs, BC now has the perfect “out” from this program.
what are the other colleges referenced by the “another” part? Genuinely asking
Maybe Princeton back in 16/17?
Northwestern football
Exactly.
This seems like it’s both a case of swimmers acting dangerously and university using the situation as a front to cut the program. If they wanted to keep the program they likely would’ve suspended the team for a season. Two sides of a story can be true
“Indefinite” does not mean permanent, it just means there’s not currently a timeline for reinstatement.
ACC that’s true but once that money has been allocated elsewhere, the swim team will not be coming back.
If any current Eagles are reading this…please know alumni support you 🖤.
Been saying for years that gender segregated schools are the way to go. That of course happens after everyone does mandatory national service, civilian or military. Service then school.
What does team hazing have literally anything to do with gender segregated schools?
???
Riiiight, because hazing NEVER occurs in the military…Get real. Segregated schools solves nothing…what a whack comment.
Seriously what?
“College swimming is on edge right now. Every few hours I get new messages about programs facing hazing penalties/suspensions/investigations.”-Braden
Uh oh.
“Three individuals close to the team have told SwimSwam that individuals were forced to drink until they vomited, and then wear that vomit tied in a bag around their necks. Those same sources told SwimSwam that not all members of the team participated in the activities.”
Lordy. So much for the “this was just an excuse to cut the team” takes.
This is absolutely not true and false Information! From a full fledged inside source.
Sheesh. mid major swimming not worth puke bag wearing 😭😭
They’re technically a power 5 team because they’re in the ACC