Boston College Suspends Swimming Programs Amid Hazing Inquiry

The school announced the decision Wednesday afternoon.

Editors’ note, Sept. 22, 5 p.m. ET: This article has been updated to note a revision in Boston College’s statement and to add a statement on behalf of some team members. The school initially stated it had determined that hazing had occurred in the men’s and women’s swimming and diving programs after an investigation. It subsequently updated that description to “credible reports of hazing.”

Boston College has suspended its men’s and women’s swimming and diving programs after the school said it received credible reports of hazing occurring in both programs. In a statement released by the school Wednesday afternoon, Boston College said the programs have both been placed on indefinite suspension.

“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,” the statement said. “The University does not—and will not—tolerate hazing in any form. During the suspension, all Swimming and Diving student-athletes will continue to have access to academic and medical resources provided to all Boston College student-athletes.”

The families of 30 members of the teams have retained legal counsel in the matter and dispute the allegations. Attorneys Andrew Miltenberg and Tara Davis issued a statement on the situation calling the school’s handling of the matter “negligent,” “harmful” and “damaging.”

“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,” the statement said. “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.”

Both the men’s and women’s programs finished in last place at the 2023 ACC championships. Thirty-one members of BC’s swimming and diving programs were named to the ACC’s All-Academic Team following the 2022-23 season.

BC’s swimming and diving teams were scheduled to hold their annual Maroon vs. Gold meet on Saturday and open their season Oct. 7 at George Washington.