Boston College suspends swim teams over hazing
- A student newspaper first broke the news of hazing allegations
- Freshmen were allegedly made to binge drink and consume vomit
- Both men's and women's teams are suspended pending an investigation
(NewsNation) — The Boston College Athletics Department has suspended both the men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams over allegations of hazing, pending a full investigation by the school.
Student newspaper The Heights first reported on the issue after obtaining a letter sent to a student athlete from an administrator.
According to the letter, freshmen were allegedly instructed to binge drink and consume their own vomit. The hazing incidents reportedly happened at off-campus housing as well as at on-campus residence halls.
A law firm representing members of the swim and dive teams issued a statement to the university stating the letter falsely suggested that the allegations had been substantiated despite the university not having completed its investigation.
The university also informed local police of the allegations.
In a statement to NewsNation, the university called the report credible and said the suspension will continue until the investigation and adjudication process is complete.
“Boston College Athletics has suspended the activities of the Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving teams 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.
“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 statement read.
A spokesperson for the Boston Police Department told NewsNation they had no open cases involving hazing at Boston College.