Maryland university failed to address allegations of sexual abuse of student swimmers and divers: DOJ

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An investigation into the University of Maryland in Baltimore County conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) found school officials did not address sexual abuse allegations made by members of the swimming and diving team against their coach.

The DOJ announced the results of its investigation into allegations that a former head coach of the Swimming and Diving Team at the school, Chad Cradock, not only sexually harassed male student athletes, but also discriminated against the female student athletes.

The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division told university officials in a letter dated March 18, 2024, that failing to respond to the sexual discrimination allegations violated Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Failing to respond also allowed the former head coach to show his power and prey on the vulnerabilities of student athletes while engaging in abuse over the course of several years.

"We will not tolerate sexual harassment and abuse of student-athletes on college campuses in our country. Too many school officials and administrators knew something for UMBC to have done nothing," Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division said. "The Justice Department will continue to hold our nation’s colleges and universities to their promise to educate students free from sexual harassment and discrimination — our young people deserve nothing less. We will continue to stand with the survivors of sexual harassment and ensure that schools take actions necessary to protect students from this kind of degrading and painful discrimination and abuse."

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND HAZING ALLEGEDLY INCLUDED