University of Scranton Releases Statements Regarding Suspension

by Retta Race 5

February 25th, 2016 College, NCAA Division III, News

The University of Scranton responded to SwimSwam’s request for additional information concerning the suspension of its women’s and men’s swimming teams.

At the time that the suspension was announced, the exact instance or instances of violations’ details had not yet been released. Only the statement published by the University of Scranton’s public relations department gave a hint as to the situation leading to the suspension.

“The University of Scranton is investigating alleged violations by some members of the men’s and women’s swimming teams
of the university’s hazing, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct, and alcohol policies,” read the statement.

In direct correspondence with SwimSwam, Scranton’s Director of News and Media Relations, Stan Zygmunt, offered the following statement:

The University of Scranton is investigating alleged violations by some members of the men’s and women’s swimming teams of the University’s Hazing, Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct, and Alcohol policies. Because these policies define expectations that are at the core of our community as a Catholic and Jesuit institution, the University takes allegations related to them very seriously.

Acting on results of an initial inquiry, Athletic Director David Martin instituted an interim suspension for both teams pending the outcome of a full investigation, a decision he shared with the students last week. The suspension prohibited either team from representing the University in the Landmark Conference Championship last weekend, and in any other athletic activities.

The University is undertaking its investigation as quickly and thoroughly as possible, but the process is expected to take several weeks.

Zygmunt also provided the University’s message sent to its community by the Vice Provost for Student Formation & Campus Life  on February 17th, which read:

Dear Members of the University Community,

I am writing to provide information to the University community about allegations involving two of our athletic teams. Student Formation & Campus Life staff in cooperation with other University departments are investigating alleged violations by some members of the men’s and women’s swimming teams of the University’s Hazing, Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct, and Alcohol policies. Because these policies define expectations that are at the core of our community as a Catholic and Jesuit institution, the University takes allegations related to them very seriously.

Acting on results of an initial inquiry, Athletic Director David Martin instituted an interim suspension for both teams pending the outcome of a full investigation. He shared this decision with the students last week. The interim suspension prohibited either team from representing the University in the Landmark Conference Championship last weekend, and in any other athletic activities.

The comprehensive investigation is following the processes and policies outlined in our Student Handbook.  These processes are also, at their core, educational, and members of my team are making every effort to help students understand the process as it unfolds. We will also support our students throughout the investigation, which we expect to take several weeks to complete.

Individual members of the men’s and women’s swimming teams have represented the University with honor and distinction. Please refrain from jumping to conclusions based on rumor and allow the University process to take its course. We are always concerned for the health and wellbeing of all students and encourage those affected by this difficult situation to seek support from our many campus resources.

Sincerely,

Anitra McShea, Ph.D.
Vice Provost for Student Formation & Campus Life

Additional updates will be reported when made available.

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J morgan
8 years ago

They need to put names out there not just the whole team only few people r bad why punishment for whole team not fare.

Gina
8 years ago

Bad Michael. I tell ya these kids are just babes in the woods led astray by that mean man. When they left their wholesome homes they were already on their way to sainthood

Their villagefolk had paid the deposit Jesuits demand on in both money & bodily sacrific. so they could be on the Saints list . It was just a matter of listing their little Saturday afternoon charity turn ups & waiting till they die.

Now this has derailed this noble venture . They now are in purgatory forcing their home village to hand more money over to the Vatican where it will be used to mai taina WALL !

All because of Mr Michael.Scott .

NONA
Reply to  Gina
8 years ago

EXACTLY!! (Actually I have no idea what any of this meant)

Morpheus
Reply to  Gina
8 years ago

This comment is just great. Keep posting and never change Gina, never change.

herp derpson
8 years ago

This is what happens when you have a manager like michael scott in charge

About Retta Race

Former Masters swimmer and coach Loretta (Retta) thrives on a non-stop but productive schedule. Nowadays, that includes having earned her MBA while working full-time in IT while owning French 75 Boutique while also providing swimming insight for BBC.

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