On Tuesday, Western Kentucky University suspended its swimming and diving program for five years following a report of multiple Title IX violations. This decision followed an investigation into the program and its students after accusations of sexual harassment and assault, hazing and drug abuse arose from a former athlete.The Bowling Green Police Department and the Title IX Office, which deals with gender equality and prevention of sexual harassment on college campuses and in sports, led the investigation, resulting in a seventeen page report describing numerous violations in graphic detail.
Ten out of the seventeen pages cite graphic sexual misconduct, including an assault on a female student by a group of male swim athletes. Despite the heinous account, however, only one student faces a criminal charge of possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
When asked to comment on the decision, WKU’s athletic director Todd Stewart said “This is a very difficult and unfortunate decision on many levels. While many in the program have represented WKU with distinction, the overall findings of a consistent pattern of disappointing conduct is troubling and not acceptable at WKU.”
Swimming coach Bruce Marchionda, assistant coach Brian Thomas, and diving coach Chelsea Ale will reportedly be terminated as of June 30. The university has offered any team member the opportunity to transfer to other colleges for to participate in their swimming and diving programs. Any of the athletes who continue to attend the school on a swim scholarship will continue to receive their scholarship based on academic performance.
Students, faculty, and the community are now left to ponder how they will revive their program at the end of the five year punishment.
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