Boston College Released Hazing Investigation Statement in ‘Negligent, Harmful’ Way, Lawyers Say

Photo Courtesy: Marti Doherty

Boston College Released Hazing Investigation Statement in ‘Negligent, Harmful’ Way, Lawyers Say

The Boston College swimmers and divers have refuted claims of hazing among the program and sources have told Swimming World that the cause of the investigation is based on rumors, while the program has been suspended pending an investigation.

The school has opened an investigation and claimed that “hazing had occurred with in the program” and later updated that statement to clarify that it had received, “credible reports of hazing.”

The original statement has been refuted by lawyers hired to represent the members of the Boston College swimming and diving program.

The statement issued by the Boston College Athletics Department on September 20, 2023, falsely suggested that allegations of hazing by the Boston College Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving team have been substantiated. To be clear, the university’s conduct office has just only begun and certainly has not completed an investigation into such claims, nor have any findings been made. The issuance of this statement prematurely, and without having gathered all of the relevant facts, was not only negligent but also extremely harmful and damaging to the members of the Swimming and Diving program. It is distressing that the College has been so irresponsible in its public messaging. We are hopeful that the College will take all necessary and appropriate steps to rectify the substantial and ongoing damage caused to the student athletes.

Andrew Miltenberg and Tara Davis, Nesenoff & Miltenberg, LLP- attorneys for 30 Swimming and Diving Program Student Athletes.

According to a letter sent to the team by the Office of the Dean of Students, obtained by The Heights, the Boston College student newspaper, freshmen in the program were allegedly instructed to binge drink and forced to consume their own vomit, part of five Student Code of Conduct violations that might have occurred between Sept. 2-4. That information has been claimed false by sources.

“The adjudication process will include an investigation of the reports, followed by a hearing, after which a determination of responsibility will be issued,” the letter reads.

The outcome of the hazing investigation will determine any action taken by the Boston College.

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